A district council in Essex is planning to redesign its leadership team, in moves that could see stronger partnerships formed with neighbouring town halls.

Management changes at Rochford District Council would be designed to help tackle the £1.2m funding cut expected over the next three years.

The new leadership team would be tasked with building on relationships already formed with parish councils, businesses and other partners to ensure the council can work ‘cost-effectively’. Focus would also be given to identifying new funding and efficiency opportunities.

Rochford’s full council has voiced its support for the redesign plan, with a further staff consultation et to end in November.

Council chief executive, Amar Dave, said: ‘We need to realign our current resources, but it is also crucial for us to innovate in order to develop new and increased income streams and find further efficiencies.

‘For this reason, the Redesign programme seeks to create a strong leadership team which will be able to focus on pursuing funding opportunities, while also building on the successful partnerships we have been developing with groups such as the parish councils and businesses in order to achieve mutual aims.’

Council leader, Cllr Terry Cutmore, said: ‘As a council we are always looking ahead, seeking new ways to improve services for our residents in the face of ever diminishing resources.

‘We are anticipating £1.2m of reductions in our Central Government funding over the next three years, which we must address, while also striving to protect our front line services. Like other organisations, both in the public and private sector, we also need to “future-proof” ourselves for the challenges which will lie ahead.’

Portfolio holder for people and technology, Cllr Jill Lucas-Gill, said: ‘The creation of a more focused leadership team will mean that we will be able to strengthen our strategic decision making, enabling us to drive forward the necessary improvements.

‘This will lay the foundations for Rochford District Council to identify and seize funding opportunities, enabling us to improve the services we offer to our residents.’