Jobs fear takes gloss off council partnership deal (From Bournemouth Echo)

Jobs fear takes gloss off council partnership deal

9:30am Wednesday 28th July 2010 in

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IT’S signed, sealed and now the shared services between Christchurch and East Dorset councils is just waiting to be delivered.

But despite the chief executives of both councils putting pen to paper to sign a landmark document, fears over job losses in the top tier threatens to overshadow future workings.

The partnership agreement seals the commitment the two authorities have made to share services by combining their officer structure.

They have already pledged to combine revenues and benefits and housing services, which will start from October 1.

Michael Turvey, chief executive of Christchurch council said: “I anticipate there will be some job losses.

“All the people concerned have been briefed and their reaction to the news has been professional and mature.

“They understand the reason behind the move and why we are doing it.

“We recognise this is a stressful process and fully appreciate the stress staff will be going through. But they have been admirable in their attitude.”

Between the two councils there are currently 17 senior management positions, a number which will fall to 10 in the single structure.

Interviews for the position of joint chief executive will take place between Michael Turvey from Christchurch and David McIntosh from East Dorset on September 17, with a special council meeting taking place at Christchurch on September 20.

Estimated savings from the new structure will be around £300,000 a year.

At a meeting of Christchurch council on Tuesday leader, Cllr Alan Griffiths said: “We want to be as open as possible, which is why we are consulting with staff about these changes and asking for their opinion.

“I reiterate that we will remain Christchurch council but cannot survive as we currently are. These changes are necessary to ensure we retain our sovereignty.”