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Adur and Worthing councils could have one workforce
Ref : 06/093 : Date : 06-10-2006
Adur and Worthing councils could have one workforce in the future if the
proposal to have more joint services makes good business sense.
Councillors have given council officers the green light to look into the project in more depth. The first phase will be to consider the costs, benefits and potential risks involved in the proposals before considering whether to adopt them.
Both councils are facing financial pressures over the next few years to keep council tax down yet still deliver good quality services.
In a report presented to the councils by Ian Lowrie chief executive of Adur council and interim chief executive of Worthing Council he says that although these financial issues are serious for the next financial year they are also a continuing and growing problem, particularly for small councils. The report also says that on their own the two councils will find it increasingly difficult to meet financial targets without major change.
Other local authorities facing similar pressures are looking on at the progress of this project with interest and central government think tank the IDeA (Improvement and Development Agency) has offered its support to the councils. Councillors will also look at other consultants before deciding who should help us.
The two councils have a workforce of about 900 people. The project will start by looking at the services and organisational structures. If the business case is proven then a new management structure will be introduced and a single chief executive selected to run both councils next year.
Adur Council Leader, Neil Parkin said: “This exercise is not about a full merger, nor is it a back door merger. We have already seen that this is not feasible, but we hope joining services will give residents the best of both councils and will maintain services and reduce overheads.
"Whilst we do think this is the way forward, we must emphasise that no final decision has been taken. We must have the business case before we do."
"Obviously this is a sensitive issue for staff so we are fully committed to communicating with them throughout the process."
Worthing Leader, Keith Mercer, said: "I very much welcome the decisions made by both councils and look forward to delivering efficiency savings whilst maintaining provision of high quality services for both residents and businesses in the two areas."
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