The Shadow Leader of the House of Commons saw the future of local government yesterday.
Alan Duncan MP officially opened West Suffolk House, the new shared offices for St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk County Council in Bury St Edmunds, which is the base for over 700 staff serving West Suffolk.
After learning about the £20m building’s green credentials (t is due for a top energy rating of 'excellent'), the money being saved and services to residents improved by partners working more closely together, Mr Duncan said that it will lead the way for how other councils approach the challenging times ahead.
Among the other guests joining St Edmundsbury and Suffolk County councillors and staff, were James Buckle, High Sheriff of Suffolk; Lord Tebbit, former Conservative Party Chairman, who will move to Bury St Edmunds shortly; David Ruffley MP; Richard Spring MP, Deborah Cadman, Chief Executive of EEDA, and representatives from many partner organisations.
The opening came at the end of an open house week which saw well-attended public tours for residents and organisations throughout the borough.
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