A political revolt has forced Suffolk Council to reconsider its plan to outsource almost all its core services aimed at making millions in savings for the council. The main architect of the outsourcing agenda, the council Chief Executive Andrea HIll has gone on ‘extended leave’.
The newly elected Conservative group leader and the next leader of the council has announced a “period of reflection” to reassess some of the most unpopular decisions such as raising student travel pass prices to closing libraries.
Mr. Bee pledged to work with council staff and local communities and adopt a “pragmatic” approach to tackling spending cuts.
This was the “virtual council” praised by conservatives a few months ago but it was the Tory revolt at the grass roots that forced the rethinking.
“It’s not going to be about ‘no more cuts’ and keeping things as they are; things have got to change, but it is finding the right kind of change rather than just steaming into it,” the newly elected leader said.
Chief Executive departure signals change in direction
In the meantime, the expected departure of the Chief Executive suggests that there is huge clamour to reverse the original decision to outsource core council services.
Ms. Hill was the main architect and a vocal supporter of the plans. There have been claims that Ms. Hill was responsible for many “gagging orders” on departing staff which saw the council payout a total of £520 Million last year.
The plans although saved money for the council would have lost cost many jobs – while many of her staff faced redundancy Ms. Hill refused to give up her £218,000 salary.
It was recently disclosed that Ms. Hill had commissioned a set of photographs of herself costing the local taxpayer £1,500.
However last month backbench councillors revolted against the plans and also Ms. Hill’s management style.
“Andrea is on extended leave as agreed by myself as acting leader,” Cllr. Jane Storey, acting leader of the council said.
eGov Monitor: LINK
