Sharing our services with Bromsgrove District Council
Redditch Borough Council, like a
growing number of local authorities across the UK and some other
public sector bodies, has decided to share the running of its
services for the residents, businesses and visitors to
Redditch.
It has teamed up with neighbouring Bromsgrove
District Council to achieve this and one of the first decisions
taken in July 2009 was to appoint a Chief Executive, Kevin
Dicks, to be the lead paid officer covering both councils.
A single management team is in the process of
being appointed to support the Chief Executive.
The sharing of services is not a merger
between the two councils but a recognition that future ambitions,
as well as a need to become more efficient and effective, can only
be achieved by working together.
The only exception to the sharing of services
is Redditch’s Housing Revenue Account as Redditch Borough
Council, unlike Bromsgrove District Council, manages its own
housing stock.
Redditch councillors are retaining full
decision making powers and the borough’s identity will be respected
and enhanced as a result of the changes.
Redditch Borough Council Leader, Cllr Carole
Gandy said: “The environment surrounding `sharing services` has
significantly shifted in the past year. It is clear that public
sector finances are going to be severely challenged over the next
few years.
“From having to make three per cent annual
efficiency savings, local councils have now been asked to increase
this to four per cent. On top of this we have to save a further
£262,000 to balance our next three-year budget.
“What is clear is that `no change` is not an
option if we are to continue delivering high quality services, look
at new and exciting services and initiatives, as well as improve in
areas where we know we can do much better.
“The pursuit of `shared services` will not be
to the detriment of Redditch. We will ensure that any savings or
re-direction of resources we make from shared services will be used
to protect and invest in those services which are a priority and
are valued by the people of Redditch.”
“Furthermore this is categorically not a
merger of our two Councils.”
