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Nearly £1 million saved by Adur and Worthing
Ref : 08/099 : Date : 02-12-2008
The groundbreaking partnership between Adur and Worthing councils is set
to make savings of nearly £1 million pounds by the end of April 2010,
even after paying for the costs of setting up the partnership. The two councils
have worked towards having one workforce serving two councils since July
2007.
Over £500,000 worth of the savings are as a direct result of the 'one workforce' approach. £150,000 comes from having one refuse and recycling service. Another £75,000 comes from the new garden waste scheme. £32,500 worth of savings will come from the joint street sweeping service. Sharing other services is saving the councils thousands.
The effect of the 'partnership' means council tax increases will be kept below five percent and the two councils are hoping it will be nearer four percent next year.
The partnership has not been without critics, but they have been proved wrong, as the latest figures released by the councils show. Council leaders are greatly encouraged.
Adur’s Council Leader, Neil Parkin said: “If it wasn't for the partnership savings we would be looking at cutting valued frontline services on top of setting the council tax at the maximum government will allow. I hope this will silence the critics of this innovative way of working as many other councils are now following the Adur and Worthing lead.”
Worthing’s cabinet member for resources, Paul Yallop said: “Worthing's Government grant will only increase by £39,000 in 2009. I am sure residents would prefer to see us balance our budgets by saving money in the Town Hall, rather than cutting the so called 'low priority services' we all value. I am pleased to see the joint officer structure is starting to show significant cost savings and I expect more to be found over the next two years.”
Worthing Council’s leader, Keith Mercer added: “I’m extremely happy to note the considerable savings coming to Worthing and Adur councils from partnership working. And I welcome the opportunity that it give us to keep council tax rises in the coming year within a reasonable level.”
Ends
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