CWAC reviews senior management
Cheshire West & Chester Council is launching a consultation with staff on a "significant restructure" of its senior management team, with the aim of saving £1m a year.
The authority's staffing committee has unanimously agreed to the consultation after considering a report from chief executive Steve Robinson, outlining proposals to save around £1m each year.
The report recommend a major re-organisation of the council's present directorates and a reduction of heads of service from 24 members to 14.
CWAC said that it faces a £49m cut in central grant over the next three years and the authority currently faces a budget shortfall of £6m.
Around £1m resulting from the restructure will be used to help plug the gap and will also help to mitigate the impact of financial pressures on front-line services.
CWAC said the reorganisation of the directorates would involve the creation of three new roles; two strategic leadership posts and a lead on capital projects such as Northgate, Barons Quay and the Cultural Centre.
Cllr Mike Jones, leader of CWAC, said: "Whilst we have already made considerable headway in re-structuring our tiers of top management since 2009, there is still room for further efficiencies whilst continuing to protect our front line services.
"Savings from this restructuring will go towards the £1.5m shortfall we face next year and the £4.29m funding gap which exists for 2016-17."
The directorate structure is due to be finalised by November and appointments to the heads of service posts phased over the next year.
