Senior managers to be lost at sharing councils (From The Northern Echo)

Senior managers to be lost at sharing councils

3:38pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Bedale News By Andy Walker

A REVIEW of senior management roles at cash-strapped neighbouring councils which share services looks set to result in cuts to the number of highly-paid bosses.

As many as five high-level redundancies, from a management team of 14, are likely across Hambleton and Richmondshire districts councils in the next year, in the wake of the review, as local authorities continue to search for savings in response to public spending cuts.

The cost in terms of redundancy payments would be almost £500,000 across both councils, with an annual saving of about £150,000.

The review was led by Peter Simpson, chief executive for the two councils, which began sharing services almost three years ago.

In a report discussed by members of both councils in recent weeks, Mr Simpson proposes a new-look management model.

The current structure sees the chief executive joined by three deputies, an assistant chief executive (ACE), six assistant directors (AD) and three heads of service.

Under the proposals, the heads of service roles would be axed, with the ACE/AD quota cut from seven to five.

In the report, Mr Simpson conceded the restructure would lead to “an initial loss in knowledge and expertise”.

He said: “I am reasonably confident that a smaller team can cope, but... it has to be accepted that things may not get done in so much of a timely manner.

“We must also be mindful that this does not perpetuate a long hours culture that leads to burn-out or disproportionate impact on personal lives. This is an issue if a smaller team is to remain effective.

“While over and above hours is an expectation, there is a balance to be struck. This might need a bit more consideration when the smaller team is formed.”

Managers have already been consulted twice over the planned changes, with expressions of interest in voluntary redundancy invited.

The restructuring is expected to begin in April, when the heads of service roles would be phased out.

One of the job titles set to be phased out is that of head of legal services. Mr Simpson proposed that this post be continued, but redesignated within the new structure.

The position of head of regulatory services could have its “functionality subsumed into a more streamlined structure”, said Mr Simpson.

The role of head of finance could become part of a new shared service arrangement with another council in North Yorkshire, said the chief executive.