Sharing move set to save cash - The Malvern Observer

Sharing move set to save cash

Malvern Editorial 27th Mar, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

MALVERN Hills District Council (MHDC) will soon be sharing senior bosses with Wychavon District Council (WDC).

The decision to make the changes was rubber-stamped at the full council meeting on Thursday (March 19) and it is hoped the plans will be affective from April 7 or as soon as possible after that date.

The move means both councils will save at least £35,000 each and they will now be able to increase the resilience and expertise they have across the board. It will also mean no redundancies will have to be made.

Gary Williams, the head of planning, housing and economy at MHDC, will soon be taking over the management of planning housing services at WDC.




And the responsibility of economic development at MHDC will be transfered to Phil Merrick, the current head of community services.

Andy Baldwin, the head of resources at MHDC, will also soon be acting deputy chief executive for both councils. During the meeting, it was made clear the changes would make no difference to the operation of either councils which would both retain independence.


And, it would give the councils a bigger team of officers with a wider variety of expertise to use at its disposal across the authorities.

It was also made clear if the new arrangement did not work it could be reversed.

Coun David Hughes, leader of the councillor, said he was delighted the proposals put forward by Jack Hegarty, managing director and chief executive for MHDC and Wychavon, had cross chamber support.

He added: “Some councils such as MHDC cannot continue to operate in isolation so they are made to look at the most effective way of delivering service but at the same time retain their independence.

“I think it does highlight a new approach to managing our resources and it gives us the confidence that this council can provide sufficient and resilient staff to enable us to continue to provide first class services which is what people expect from us.”

Jack Hegarty, managing director and chief executive for MHDC and Wychavon, said: “This is not a merger – we are talking about the resources we have at our disposal we will still operate as separate councils, it is the same as using outside resources.”

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