City council to axe eight top posts

THE city council plans to cut eight posts in its senior management team – saving more than £670,000 a year.

The council says it wants to streamline the top two tiers of the organisation.

The changes, which are now out to consultation with staff and unions, will reduce the number of directorates from five to four.

One corporate director, Sally Anne Johnson, who is currently head of adult services, will leave on a voluntary basis.

In addition, it is also planned to cut seven second-tier directors, reducing their number from 28 to 21.

According to the council, the changes will align the structure of the council with the priorities it has set for itself in the Nottingham Plan.

Jane Todd, the chief executive of Nottingham City Council, said: "The city council has a vital role to play in driving Nottingham forward as a city and we need to make sure we have the right management structure in place to enable us to do that. I am confident the changes we are proposing will mean the council is organised in the right way to help deliver the long-term vision for the city outlined in the Nottingham Plan."

The council also highlights the savings that will result from the cuts.

Ms Todd said: "It is also important in the current economic climate to ensure that, as a public body, we are doing everything we can to operate in as efficient a way as possible."

The current structure of the council has directorates for resources, children's services, culture and community, environment and regeneration, and adult support and health.

In the new structure, adult services will form part of the communities directorate. Ms Todd insists the changes will leave the council with sufficient senior staff to manage the authority and adult care will not suffer as a result of being incorporated into another department.

Ben Browne, the director of human resources at the city council, said the proposals were subject to consultation. He said the departing corporate director will be entitled to a settlement in line with the council's discretionary compensation regulations.

These have been revised since other high-profile departures from the authority and now senior officers are entitled to no more than £28,400 with pension payments on top.

Mr Browne said: "[The payment] will be reduced compared to what it would have been. In terms of value for money it would be wrong to think they will walk out with a large payout."

Liberal Democrat Coun Tony Sutton, who is a member of the Appointments and Conditions of Service committee on the council, said: "It is right and proper in the current economic situation to review the structure of the organisation and take out unnecessary levels to be more efficient and effective. The initial costs will take some time to recoup."

charles.walker@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk