Members of Richmondshire District Council have backed plans for
shared services and management arrangements with a neighbouring
authority.
Plans to share services on Information Technology and refuse
collection between Richmondshire and Hambleton District Councils
are expected to save between £250,000 and £670,000 a year, and help
both authorities meet efficiency targets and budget pressures.
Others services that might be shared in the future would be
explored as part of the arrangements.
At a Full Council meeting last night, Richmondshire councillors
approved arrangements for a shared Chief Executive, shared
management and shared services with Hambleton.
Councillor Melva Steckles, Leader of Richmondshire District
Council, said: "We have always said that 'no change' is not an
option, and that change can allow more innovative ideas and
opportunities to come forward.
"Through this decision we will achieve more efficient
governance, and I hope the strength of this partnership will help
us develop more, stronger partnerships, and more shared services in
the future."
Members will receive a further report in April for a final
decision about the development strategy and business cases for
shared services, and there will be a review of the arrangements
after the elections due in 2011.
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