Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils are recommending the development of shared services over the coming years to save the tax payer money and improve the services being offered, while dealing with the expected reduction in budget the Councils are expected to receive from the Government.
Following decisions made by both Councils in February, a joint Working Group of councillors has been examining whether to develop an alliance based on a shared management structure. The Working Group is to recommend that a programme of shared services be developed, but given the planned changes in both Councils over the coming years the sharing of senior management is seen as too great a risk at this time.
Councillor Michael Doody, Leader of Warwick District Council said: "This is an exciting response by both councils to work closer together and improve services, while reducing costs."
Councillor Stephen Gray, Leader of Stratford District Council commented: "Both Warwick and Stratford have a history of providing good services to the public, while keeping a low council tax. Working closer together will mean both councils can help each other to deliver better value for money for the residents of south Warwickshire."
The Joint Working Group is to meet on 27 July when it is envisaged that final recommendations to both Councils will be agreed for consideration by the respective Councils.
