William Eichler 26 January 2017

Kent district councils consider merging to create super council

Four district councils are to consider a proposal into the feasibility of creating a single council for east Kent in a move that could save nearly £7m.

Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet are to consider a high level business case that estimated abolishing the four districts and creating a single council could save £6.8m.

Developed by Local Partnerships and the Local Government Association (LGA), the case found a single council would deliver greater economies of scale, greater resilience and more chance to secure funding.

It also said the transition costs would be recouped in just over a year.

Ashford Borough Council was originally involved in considering the proposed merger, but yesterday announced it no longer intended to be involved in the discussion.

Cllr Chris Wells, leader of Thanet District Council and spokesman for the east Kent districts, said: ‘The business case clearly identifies that the creation of a single east Kent council is an ambitious but logical next step for our councils.

‘The east Kent districts already have a well-established track record of collaboration and sharing services and a new single council could improve and streamline our services.

‘With greater scale and resources it could transform services at a higher quality and lower cost to residents, and strengthen our position economically.’

‘Members at each council will now have to seriously consider the implications and to determine whether we continue to the next stage,’ he added.

Explaining Ashford’s decision not to continue with talks, council leader Gerry Clarkson said: ‘Having received the business case we do not believe it is in the best interest for our borough or represents value for money for our residents.

‘We also feel it is not in the best interests of the other four authorities for us to continue either.’

However, Cllr Clarkson added: ‘It does not mean we have ruled out exploring further opportunities to work more closely or share services with other authorities in the future.

‘We have an open mind to this, but now is not the right time for Ashford.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner