New Cabinet roles anticipate Local Government Reorganisation
Cllrs Maud Attrill and Prad Bains step up to Adult and Children's Services roles
With Local Government Reorganisation on the horizon, Eastleigh Borough Council has created two new Cabinet portfolios - Adult Services and Children’s Services - to influence how unitary-level services evolve.
These roles won’t run adult or children’s services day-to-day- that remains with the existing unitary authorities for now. The purpose is to speak up for Eastleigh’s communities, shape future models, and bring what the Borough already delivers (housing, prevention, community support, facilities and places) closer to those services and the people who use them.
Cllr Maud Attrill (Adult Services) will lead Eastleigh’s input on adult-care issues linked to housing and independence (tenancies, homelessness pathways, private renting standards, Disabled Facilities Grants for adults), and act as the Council’s point person with partners on designing the future of these services as LGR progresses.
Maud represents Hiltingbury and chairs the Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury Local Area Committee; she has recent experience on Audit & Resources and Licensing, giving her a close grip on local delivery and standards. She also serves on Chandler’s Ford Parish Council.
Maud said: “These new roles are about influence and connection. My focus is helping shape a system where people can live well and independently for longer. I’ll work with the County, the NHS and housing partners to speed up adaptations, join up homelessness pathways, and raise standards in the private rented sector, so what Eastleigh already offers helps to deliver better adult social care on the ground.”
Cllr Prad Bains (Children’s Services) will lead the Borough’s voice on services affecting children and young people (schools and SEND interfaces, early help, libraries and youth provision) and knit these together with the Borough’s own community, culture and place-based offers.
Prad is the Borough Councillor for Hamble & Netley and a Hampshire County Councillor; he is a former Mayor of Havant and has experience of improving the accessibility and inclusivity of mental health services for different communities across Hampshire.
Prad said: “Children and families need simple, joined-up support. I’ll use this role to champion early help, strengthen links between schools, libraries, youth groups and our Borough services, and make sure Eastleigh’s communities help shape how county-level services evolve through LGR. The aim is clear: earlier support, better access, and more positive things for young people to do.”
Cllr Keith House, Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, said: “Adult and children’s services may be unitary responsibilities, but our residents experience them alongside housing, parks, culture, community support and all the other service Eastleigh Borough Council delivers. These new portfolios give Eastleigh a strong, consistent voice through LGR and give us the opportunity to shape better services for all our future residents.”
Changes to Cabinet responsibilitiesChanges to Cabinet responsibilities were agreed at Eastleigh Borough Council’s recent Cabinet meeting: Councillor Paul Bicknell is stepping back from his Cabinet duties and Councillor Ian Corben will take on full responsibility for Regeneration. The composition of Cabinet from 1 October 2025 is now: Cabinet Member for Transport and Economy – Councillor James Duguid Environment – Councillor Rupert Kyrle Health & Social Policy – Councillor Tonia Craig Planning & Resources – Councillor Keith House (Leader) Regeneration – Councillor Ian Corben (Deputy Leader) Adult Services – Councillor Maud Attrill Children’s Services – Councillor Prad Bains |