Councils may share management team
Two London councils have announced they are considering sharing a chief executive.
Islington and Camden are in talks about appointing a joint chief executive and shared management team after Islington’s current chief executive, John Foster, retires in May 2011. Camden’s current head, Moira Gibb, would take over the chief executive role at both authorities.
The councils hope sharing chief executives will go some way to plugging gaps in their budgets of up to £100 million each. The councils have already signed joint contracts on school meals.
Nasim Ali, leader of Camden Council, said: ‘As the scale of the cuts to public services becomes clearer it is right that we examine all of the options available to protect the frontline services our residents value.’
Catherine West, leader of Islington Council, said: ‘Camden and Islington are well placed to take this bold step – we have already worked together successfully and I believe that a shared management team will bring a fresh approach.’
The councils are preparing a report for their respective executives and cabinets by the end of the year.
