Local Government Minister John Healey said that plans to replace 44 councils across 7 counties on 1 April next year are on track. And with 100 days to go, he called on the new councils to step up their efforts to explain to local people how these changes will make a difference to their lives - through better services, a bigger say in local decisions and stronger community leadership through these tough economic times.
The new councils have also committed to make combined savings of over £100m, which can be re-invested in front-line services or used to reduce pressure on council tax.
In Cornwall, the estimated annual saving is £15.4 million and in Wiltshire the figure is £18.1 million.
The Minister has been impressed with efforts to ensure that these new councils will be up and running delivering top quality services from day one. But he said more needs to be done to explain the changes to the public itself - especially the benefits it will bring. For example:
- Cornwall Council will provide 22 One stop shops / walk in centres across the county. People will be able to meet local councillors, access council services or Citizens Advice, and get information, advice and guidance about any council service. A mobile service will be set up to reach the more rural areas;
- Wiltshire Council have already made £3.4m in savings through staff reductions to avoid duplication. They plan to substantially improve their customer access, with a single telephone number for all services and customer centres in main offices and locations across the county.
John Healey said:
"In 100 days time 44 councils across 7 counties will be replaced with 9 new unitary councils, serving over 3 million people. This represents the biggest transformation of local government for 30 years and means that 60% of the population will now be served by single unitary councils.
"From my visits to all of these areas I have seen first hand the huge efforts being made to ensure councils are not only up and running but also delivering top quality services from day one. The final countdown begins today but I am confident plans are on track and efforts will continue over the next 100 days. I want these councils to also use this time to step up efforts to tell local people about the changes and how they will benefit. Whether a single telephone number to access all services in Wiltshire or free swimming for children and old people in Shropshire I want local people to know what to expect from their new council from day one."
