South Norfolk Council vote to continue talks over sharing services with Broadland Council
Andrew Proctor and John Fuller, leaders of Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council. - Credit: Archant
Councillors have voted to continue to work on a move which could see their authority share services and staff with another district council.
South Norfolk Council members have voted to continue talks on joining up more services with Broadland Council. Picture: South Norfolk Council - Credit: Archant
In September last year, Broadland and South Norfolk Council (SNC) agreed to explore the possibility of closer working and the sharing of services in a £25,000 feasibility study.
At a special council meeting on Monday members of SNC reviewed a progress report on the study, voting unanimously to continue with work on the collaboration.
It focusses on a number of areas which the councils hope will help them to improve quality of life for residents, boost the economy and increase housing growth.
The progress report sets out a number of initial proposals including the establishment of joint strategic planning/growth delivery team, which would help speed up the development of key strategic sites such as Long Stratton, although both councils would retain independent planning committees.
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The study also proposes the development of a joint approach to public affairs, using technology to work more efficiently and working together to improve economic growth in the respective districts.
In the meeting SNC leader John Fuller touched on the amount of work that had been achieved and what was still left to do: 'It seems to me that we now need to go into much more detail. We need to do more work in IT and HR and we need to communicate clearly.'
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In a statement South Norfolk and Broadland District Council leaders, John Fuller and Andrew Proctor said: 'No major issues having been identified to suggest our collaborative approach won't work, or fail to deliver on our ambitions.
'Work will now continue to develop the many ideas and proposals identified in the progress report including the financial analysis and a possible timetable going forward.'
Work will now continue on the feasibility study, refining initial proposals ahead of the final presentation of the to both councils in the summer.
A copy of the progress report can be read online at either www.south-norfolk.gov.uk or www.broadland.gov.uk
