North Tyneside Council is inviting representatives from key interest groups such as the police and voluntary groups to take part in cabinet meetings.
Elected mayor John Harrison has proposed the change in the latest phase of the council’s engagement strategy, which is guiding its work with communities and partners.
“This is an important in the history of North Tyneside Council and for democracy," he said. "This is intended to enrich the decision taking process and make the cabinet’s work more transparent and inclusive.”
Chief Executive Andrew Kerr claims it is unique in English local government.
"There is no other cabinet I know which has partners sitting at the cabinet table when they discuss issues," he said.
"It allows our partners to be engaged on all stages of decision making and allows us to engage with our partners and engage better with our communities.”
The council says partners’ representatives will be involved at all stages of the decision-making process and invited to give advice to Cabinet members and offers.
But they will not have decision-making or voting powers, which under the council’s constitution remains with the Elected Mayor.
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