Council concerned over single authority process

Sep 26 2007 by Ben Guy, The Journal

A NORTHUMBERLAND council has voiced its concerns over the process that could see a single unitary authority replace the current local government system.

Proposals on how to axe the existing district and county councils and introduce the new authority were published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) last month.

Those proposals suggested that county councils become transitional authorities as it would be less confusing than introducing a new body to set up the unitary authority.

But according to a report produced by Tynedale Council, there is a danger that the transitional authority would be perceived to be the new authority.

It adds: “Whilst a transitional authority may well have new policies, service access arrangements and leadership models, the fact is that the council is being retained until a brand new authority is created.”

The report added that the council also had concerns about putting a transitional authority in place simply “because it is easier”. Coun Michael Walton, leader of Tynedale Council, said it was important that all authorities had an input in shaping the new organisation.

He said: “The bid that has been approved by Government puts great emphasis on the creation of a new organisation, and this is further emphasised in the DCLG transition guidance.

“It is also an important message for all council staff and stakeholders that this is a new start, giving the opportunity for transformational change and improvements in service delivery. This must be an open and equitable process with all authorities having a say and influence on the shape of the new organisation.”

The report added that the perception that the transitional authority was the new authority would be overcome if elections for the transitional authority were held in May 2008.

Once the transitional period was over the council would then become the “new” unitary authority, with new councillors and senior officers. They would have to set up joint committees with district councillors to carry out functions linked to reorganisation.

A county council spokesman said: “We are now working closely with the district councils to work towards a smooth transition to a new authority.”

The report will go before the Tynedale Council Corporate Policy and Review Board later this week.