LANDSCAPE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHANGING, SAYS BRIGG COUNCILLOR AS CHANGES SAVE £850K

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

In a major review of North Lincolnshire Council’s executive management structure, the four most senior positions will be deleted and two new roles of Executive Directors created – people and transformation director (head of paid service), and a commercial director. 
The plans are expected to save around £850,000 over the next four years.
Currently there are three directors – Director of Policy and Resources, Director of Places and Director of People.
Simon Driver, Chief Executive recently announced his plans to step down after 11 years as Chief Executive and 20 years with the authority. 
Once details are finalised on the roles of the two Executive Directors – effectively phase one of the review – work will start on phase two to look at the next tier of management currently comprising 12 assistant directors.
Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire Council,  pictured above, said: “The landscape of local government is changing as we become more commercially aware of the potential opportunities to generate income to pay for essential services. As we receive less money to pay for services, it is essential that we adopt an innovative and forward-thinking approach to delivering them by becoming more ‘business like’.
“We have managed to protect key services year-on year and freeze general council tax. We also provide free books to young children and free parking and would like to continue this; that is why we are thinking differently about how we operate.
“We want to ensure that we continue to provide excellent value to our tax payers. To do that, we need to reposition the organisation so it is fit for the future, with a strong commercial focus. We want to be more responsive to local residents’ needs and see better paid jobs in North Lincolnshire.
“We want residents, employees, businesses and visitors to join us on our transformational journey to provide a great North Lincolnshire that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.”

N.F. ADDS: The plans were discussed at North Lincolnshire Council’s full council meeting on Thursday 29 September 2016. Simon Driver's last day at the council was on Friday (September 30).