Restructure to Save 1.2Million Pounds
As part of the councils plans to save over £13
million and achieve a balanced budget in challenging economic
times; this week’s Full Council meeting will consider proposals to
reduce the senior management structure at Bedford Borough Council,
saving £1.2million.
In order to do this the council will need to
discuss sensitive personal information which means Agenda Item 22
will have to be considered in a private session.
The report follows a period of consultation
with staff and Trade Unions which was launched after approval by
the councils General Purposes Committee in September 2010. The
proposal not only provides a much needed £1.2 million saving, with
no impact on frontline services but it also presents a more
streamlined, fit for purpose structure for the Council. This comes
on top of £11 million of savings approved at December’s Executive
Meeting.
Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council,
Philip Simpkins, said: “We, like many other local authorities, have
to make savings to deliver a balanced budget. We have already
agreed a number of proposals to help us do that, including
re-structuring our debt and changing the routes of our rubbish
collection lorries. These alone have saved a combined £660,000.
“However, we have also been forced to look
very seriously at our staffing levels, including our senior
management structure. The changes put forward will allow us to save
£1.2million per year while ensuring the Council is able to continue
to provide excellent services for local residents.
“I firmly believe the Council should be open
and transparent for local taxpayers. We are committed to providing
open government and to this end we will be publishing information
regarding senior staff salaries. However, on this occasion the
recommendations include sensitive information regarding specific
officer roles and therefore cannot be discussed in public. Once all
staff have been notified the Council’s new Senior Management
Structure will be available on the Council’s website.”