Council moots services share
Cherwell District Council is discussing plans to save money by sharing some services with Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
CDC already shares a chief executive, a senior management team and some services with South Northamptonshire Council and a business case is currently being prepared for the extension of the practice with Stratford.
Councillor Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, explained: “Being a forward looking authority we are keen to continue to drive out financial savings through partnership working.
“Our partnership with South Northamptonshire has delivered significant savings but we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to seek new partnerships so that we can share services and therefore costs further.”
He added: “We are keen to explore joint procurement and the potential for common computer platforms and that sort of thing. All three councils work to the same philosophy of protecting front line services whilst looking for innovation and savings for the council tax payers.”
A 12-month review of the council’s joint working arrangements published in February states Stratford has expressed an interest in “exploring opportunities for joint working” and there have been three joint member meetings so far.
Interim arrangements are also currently in place to provide Stratford with monitoring officer and head of legal services cover as well as HR support.
If approved by all the councils involved the proposed changes could come into effect in April 2014.
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Weather for Banbury
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
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