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News releases
Forward Thinking with Adur and Worthing
Ref : 06/091 : Date : 22-09-2006
A joint release from Worthing and Adur councils
Leading Councillors from Adur and Worthing Councils met last night (Thursday)
to consider how the two authorities can work more closely together in the
future. Councillors considered four options, ranging from undoing the joint
working that has been undertaken so far, right up to looking at areas where
partnership working can be increased. Adur and Worthing already jointly provide
refuse collection, recycling and tourism services, with other areas being
actively looked into.
Once an outline business case is considered by both full Councils early in October, external consultants will be brought in to help decide how best to take a formal partnership strategy forward. They will look at a variety of issues, including a more detailed business case for greater joint working and the likely costs involved. They will also advise both Councils how a single officer structure will contribute in delivering efficiency savings, whilst maintaining the provision of a high quality services for the benefit of residents and businesses within both Council areas. A joint Appointments Committee will also be established to deal with recruitment and staffing issues and an internal Working Party will be established to help drive the work forwards.
While this work is being undertaken, both Councils will be asked to agree that Ian Lowrie, Adur's Chief Executive, will continue in his joint role to steer this important piece of ground breaking work. In view of the timescale for this project, this arrangement is likely to continue until at least the middle of next year.
Like many smaller local authorities in the country, Worthing and Adur are continuously having to look for efficiency opportunities. Joint working undertaken has shown that partnership working of this type can be very beneficial. The two Councils will also approach a number of Government Agencies likely to show interest in this unique project to see whether any support, financial or otherwise, can be given.
The recommendations will be considered by Worthing Borough Council on 3rd October 2006 and by Adur District Council on 5th October 2006.
Ends
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