Cuts hit North Lincs Council
08 December 2010 by Paul Rhoades
Following ConDem cuts to local government funding, the number of senior managers employed by North Lincolnshire Council is to be almost halved as part of a massive shake-up. The ruling Labour group on the council has announced the number of heads of department is to be reduced from 11 to six as part of a review into the council's management structure. A further review will now take place into the structure of the second highest tier of management.
A group of senior Labour politicians have been part of a shaping the council committee to look at the council's overall management structure in a bid to make it run more efficiently. With the ConDem government making �4-million of in-year cuts to the council's 2010/11 budget � and with a 26 per cent grant reduction to come over the next four years � the committee has looked at how council services can be maintained but at cheaper cost.
The committee has recommended the council's senior management structure be reduced from 11 down to six. Most of this will be done through natural wastage and retirement. The new structure will be included in February's budget and take effect from the start of the 2011/12 financial year. It is hoped the measure will save hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Council leader Cllr Mark Kirk said: "This ConDem government has taken the unprecedented steps of making �4-million worth of in-year cuts and we can expect a further �20-million over the next four years. Doing nothing is not an option. Over the last 12 months or so, well before May�s General Election, we have looked very carefully at the council�s management structure and how we can make best use of the people we have. We believe we can continue to offer first class services with less managers � and make a considerable financial saving at the same time."
Cllr Len Foster added: "Reducing the number of senior managers is a significant step but one we are confident will not effect services and will make the council run more efficiently. Difficult times are ahead and as part of the ConDem cuts we will be forced into making some difficult decisions. But we have said all along we would not sacrifice the Indians to protect the Chiefs and this decision proves that. We will now be looking at the next steps and the next layer of middle management."
Further comment and analysis from:
Mark Kirk's Blogg
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