New Northants councils delays
4 June 2019, 12:01 | Updated: 4 June 2019, 12:04
The existing councils in Northamptonshire have been given extra time to transition from 8 district and county authorities - to twounitary councils.
NEW NORTHANTS COUNCILS DELAYED
The existing councils in Northamptonshire have been given extra time to transition from 8 district and county authorities - to twounitary councils.
They won't take over now til April 2021; the councils say they'll give them a greater opportunity to have a smoother move - working with the voluntary sector and other organisations to help residents get the services they need.
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In a release by the existing authorities, they've confirmed that following the announcement that two brand new unitary councils will be established in Northamptonshire on 1 April 2021, the eight councils involved have agreed a way forward to deliver a programme to ensure a "better-quality service delivery across the county".
A transformation programme has been agreed, allowing time for creating much more than just two 'safe and legal' authorities.
In a joint comment, the council leaders said:
"We've re-visited our programme and built in transformational work that will ensure we can deliver better integrated services from day one, rather than after the creation of the new councils.
Sustainability is key to the success of the two new unitary authorities and part of that is creating services that provide what residents need when they need it most and are flexible.
We're working with health, the voluntary sector and other key stakeholders to make it easier for residents to access the services they need and make sure the right people are working together to deliver that service.
The programme will be delivered by a team made up of staff from all eight authorities as well as some external programme management support. A Chief Executive from each current authority will lead each of the projects that make up the programme, making it a plan that is owned and delivered by all Northamptonshire councils.
Our vision for the new unitaries is set out in a prospectus for change, which can be found at www.northampton.gov.uk/down…/…/11071/a-prospectus-for-change."
