Newcastle City Council has announced it is ‘shaking up’ its management arrangements in a bid to save half a million pounds.

The council’s constitutional committee has approved changes which will see the organisation restructured to be based on three principle directorates serving People, Place and Resources.

The local authority hopes this more flexible management structure will help it to close its £30m budget gap.

It has already reduced its management posts by 26% over the last four years - from 488 in 2012 to 359 in 2016.

Chief executive of Newcastle City Council, Pat Ritchie said: ‘The council is a much smaller and more agile organisation than it was in the past and we will continue to ensure that our management arrangements keep pace with change and are fit for purpose.

‘These changes will deliver significant savings in the next financial year, helping us to maintain frontline services for local people.’