Richmondshire could go it alone

5:11pm Friday 28th November 2008

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RICHMONDSHIRE District Council could once again have its own chief executive, after a year of sharing with Hambleton.

Members of Richmondshire’s strategy board have voted to explore the possibility of returning separate chief executives to the two councils, as well as looking at the option of continuing under the present arrangements.

Hambleton District Council have agreed to a joint chief executive, but said more discussions were needed in light of the Richmondshire vote.

Both authorities agreed that the system of shared services - which they say has saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds - should continue.

Hambleton leader Coun Arthur Barker said: “A partnership can only exist if both partners agree to it - it needs to be robust and must be tested as such.”

For the past year, Hambleton's Peter Simpson has acted as shared chief executive at both authorities.

Coun John Blackie, who represents the Upper Dales on Richmondshire District Council, said: “Mr Simpson has been doing a very good job, but the nature of the district means it is simply too large and too diverse not to have a full time chief executive.

“However, we all agree that that the system of shared services must continue because it is so cost effective, and of course Richmondshire District Council is in dire financial straits at the moment.”

The vote follows the news last week that the authority is exploring the option of a zero per cent council tax increase, which would mean making hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cuts elsewhere.

Coun Barker said: “We want to deliver better and more efficient services for our customers and we believe that providing some of them in partnership is the way forward “It will give both councils stability and provide better value for money - initial savings on three shared services are anywhere from £250,000-£670,000 between the two authorities.”

Richmondshire District Council Leader Melva Steckles said: “Sharing services represents a real opportunity to deliver better and more efficient services - and that ultimately would mean better value for money for residents.

“However, it is important that members have time to consider the options fully before making a final decision and that of course ultimately has to be compatible with our partner, Hambleton District Council.”

The current arrangements will continue until next spring, when a final decision will be made.