Councils plan to share services

Wealden District Council is set to start talks with a neighbouring local authority to share some services.

The aim of a link between Wealden and Rother district councils is to “save money and improve the quality of local people’s lives”, a statement from the authorities says.

It adds that the two councils do not plan to merge. Wealden and Rother are two of the largest local authorities in East Sussex.

Cllr Bob Standley, Leader of Wealden District Council, said: “Given that between us, we provide services to 235,000 people across over 500 square miles of Sussex countryside, it is common sense to start looking at ways we can share our expertise.

"It is important to continue to preserve and enhance the distinctive characteristics of each local authority area. We are not talking about merging the two councils, but we are looking to share staff and resources.

“By working together we will be able to increase our influence to secure a better regional and national deal for our residents."

His opposite number at Rother, Cllr Carl Maynard, said: "It means Rother and Wealden will be the 'first port of call' for each other when looking to share the delivery of council services. We will expect such moves to give us greater strength in depth and produce realistic cash savings.

"Together we hope we will be able to develop greater staff flexibility between the two councils to provide support and emergency cover if needed and encourage the sharing of professional knowledge."

Both councils would continue to function as separate democratic organisations.

Their elected members are being asked to agree this initial venture and will have the final say as to what changes can be made.

Councillors' local knowledge will be invaluable in ensuring that co-operation delivers a better deal for local council taxpayers, the statement says.

The joint working agreement will be discussed by Rother District Council's Cabinet on Monday, December 6, and Wealden District Council's Cabinet on Wednesday, December 15.

Like all local authorities, Rother and Wealden are faced with nationwide reductions in public spending and have been carrying out their own budget reduction programmes.

The councils’ statement said: “It is too early to give any indication as to how much money could be saved through a joint approach to the delivery of some services.

“Nothing in the proposed agreement prejudices existing partnerships and shared services with other organisations.

"Neither does it stop either council developing such relationships with others in future.”

Wealden District Council, which covers Uckfield, has headquarters split over sites at Crowborough and Hailsham but plans to centralise at Hailsham.

Rother District Council is based at Bexhill. Its area stretches from Normans Bay in the west to Camber in the east (excluding Hastings) and goes north nearly to Flimwell. Rye and Battle are the two other major towns in its area.