16 December 2010
Plans for an innovative partnership between Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council (WDC) look set to deliver significant savings for both authorities.
At a Cabinet meeting last night, Eastbourne Borough Council agreed to explore the option of a partnering arrangement that would result in the council building control team transferring to WDC.
Building Control is a statutory function and has a wide range of responsibilities; these include administering building regulations, health and safety, dangerous buildings, the conservation of fuel and power and access to buildings for disabled people.
Earlier this year Eastbourne Borough Council agreed a sustainable delivery strategy that set out three options for delivering services in the future:
Portfolio Holder for the Environment and the Economy, Councillor Steve Wallis, said, “The nature of building control work means officers spend a great deal of time on site, rather than in one office. It therefore made absolute sense to explore a partnership with our neighbouring authority, Wealden District Council. In addition to the efficiencies a partnership will generate, I am sure that by pooling our resources customers will also benefit from higher levels of customer service.”
Over an initial five year period, the plans being discussed would generate savings for Eastbourne Borough Council of up to £180,000. Under the arrangement Wealden District Council would take the lead on management and employment issues and a joint partnership board would be created to oversee its operation.
Cllr Wallis added, “It is incumbent on every local authority to challenge the old ways of delivering services. We simply cannot afford to sit back and accept the status quo. Public spending is being squeezed like never before and we have to respond by making the best use of the resources we have.”
