MANAGERS at a district council are facing redundancies as authority leaders bid to save money.Since the Conservative-Independent administration took over at Mid Suffolk District Council 30 posts have already been shed and now bosses are also facing cuts.
By John Howard
MANAGERS at a district council are facing redundancies as authority leaders bid to save money.
Since the Conservative-Independent administration took over at Mid Suffolk District Council 30 posts have already been shed and now bosses are also facing cuts.
The authority, based at Needham Market, believes it should have "more Indians and fewer chiefs" and chief executive Andrew Good said he accepted there may be redundancies.
The management review incudes replacing the current management team of 10 with an executive management board of five.
Mr Good said: "Recently, the whole organisation has been involved in a review. Listening to our staff, we have identified skills gaps that we need to plug. The review also highlighted a desire for a smaller management team with greater accountability
"We are consulting on the options for reducing the size of the top management team thus creating a sum of money to invest in the skills that we need."
Roger Saunders, leader of the council, said: "Councillors are committed to ensuring that residents get the best possible services, and to do this, we need a fit and flexible organisation.
"The changing needs of our customers, and the obligations laid upon us by central government, mean that we have to think strategically, communicate effectively and ensure that all our effort is focussed on the needs and aspirations of our public."
Stuart Davey, chairman of union branch of Unison at the council, said: "This was necessary after 30 posts were made redundant last time.
"Part of management structure won't be needed and there's a need to look at the structure.
"There's a need to ensure what changes come in will not adversely effect those who are left. Like most places these days, there are always changes.''
The council's executive committee meets on Monday to discuss the proposals. The exact amount saved will depend on which jobs are finally axed.
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