Shropshire Council axing top jobs to save cash

Council chiefs in Shropshire today announced major cost-cutting changes to its management structure which will see the number of directors halved in a bid to save £3 million a year.

Shropshire Council is trying to save £60 million over the next three years and has been working on a number of ways of saving money.

The council's chief executive, Kim Ryley, today unveiled his proposals to halve the number of people in top jobs at the authority in an effort to refocus resources on frontline services to the public.

Under the proposals, the council's corporate management team will be reduced from six directors to a senior team of just three, which will include the chief executive and two strategic directors.

The council said the restructure marks the start of a wider review of what number and type of managers are needed. It said the aim was to improve services and cut overall management costs by at least 20 per cent.

It is not yet known which senior managers' roles will go or what will happen to the people in those positions.

The council has pledged to provide more joined-up services for residents as it works on ways to save £60 million over the next three years.

Initial changes are expected in November, with the review set to be completed by next Easter.

Mr Ryley said: "Protecting frontline services is our top priority in making these changes, but we're also committed to handling job re-ductions sensitively, as a good employer. We will do all we can to minimise, and where possible, avoid having an impact on our hardworking and dedicated staff."

Leader of the council Keith Barrow said: "This is not a decision that we have taken lightly."