Innovative proposals which would see Suffolk’s councils working together more closely to improve services and provide better value for money are to be discussed by St Edmundsbury next week.
At meetings on 6 and 12 December respectively, the council’s Cabinet and full council will be asked to support county-wide proposals to pioneer new models of working across all three tiers of local government, and with other partners. The recommendation comes following the publication of the Local Government White Paper, Strong and Prosperous Communities, which included the invitation to councils in two-tier areas to become pathfinders.
Council Leader John Griffiths said:
“Local authorities throughout Suffolk already have a good track record of successful partnership working and these proposals will allow us to develop those existing links still further for the benefit of all our residents.”
Commenting on the plans Cllr Jeremy Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
"It is the job of all councils to find the best way to deliver good quality services while keeping very tight control of costs. Pathfinder status gives Suffolk a once in a lifetime chance to shape local government to benefit everybody in the county. It will help us to accelerate our partnership working and increase our ability to speak up for Suffolk on important national and regional issues that affect us all."
The project to create the Bury St Edmunds Public Service Village, which will see St Edmundsbury and Suffolk County Council staff working under one roof, was highlighted in the White Paper as a good example of partnership working.
Any pathfinder bid made by Suffolk’s councils must be submitted to the Government by the end of January. If St Edmundsbury’s councillors approve the recommendations, a special meeting of the full council will be held early next year to approve the final submission before this deadline.
ENDS
ISSUED BY LIZ HEARNSHAW, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. liz.hearnshaw@stedsbc.gov.uk
