Review to be held into linked-up town halls

The decision for both councils to merge – sharing a chief executive, refuse collections and IT services – was taken nearly two years ago with a host of other services added since.

As part of the original announcement, member of both councils pledged to undertake a review once all services were officially amalgamated, assessing the impact of the decision and the way forward.

Coun Fleur Butler, the leader of Richmondshire District Council, told the Yorkshire Post the decision to merge had been of real benefit to both councils and stressed their political independence was as strong as ever.

“I welcome this review”, she said, “and it will not just be looking backwards.

“We want to look at things we could have done better and how we can improve the delivery service.

“I like the idea of having separate political identities and shared management – we have done a huge amount.”

As part of the review, consultation will be launched among council officers, members, union leaders, parish councils and businesses. It is expected to be published by the summer.

Peter Simpson, chief executive of both councils, said: “This review will provide each council with an opportunity to evaluate how the shared services programme is working.

“Given the current financial pressures we need to look at how to move forward, what is working well and not so well, and possible future shared working with other organisations.

“The programme has already delivered savings of £954,140 with predicted savings of £1.9m by 2013/2014 – we need to look forward and nationally, shared services is being seen as a platform to achieve efficiency savings.”