Senior posts under threat at Teignbridge Council

THE axe looks likely to fall on seven senior staff at Teignbridge Council, saving the district authority more than £400,000 a year.

The proposed cull was discussed at Teignbridge Council executive on Tuesday.

A select handful from the committee met to decide on cuts and changes as part of a management restructuring.

Chief executive Nicola Bulbeck (pictured) said in the report on Tuesday, which was supported by advice by independent consultant Jeff Ligo, that the way forward is to do away with some of the highest-paid council staff.

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"Every effort will continue to be made to avoid compulsory redundancies and to identify suitable alternative employment for staff not appointed to roles in the new structure," the report states.

The district authority would have to spend £460,000 terminating contracts but would recoup more than £1million in four years.

The new structure would start next month with full implementation by September.

Teignbridge Council leader Cllr Jeremy Christophers said when he was elected in 2011, he promised to have a review at management level.

"As with all authorities, Teignbridge needs to reform, reshape and refocus so it is able to keep providing the excellent services residents have, quite rightly, come to expect but we cannot escape the fact we need to make even more savings," he said.

"In recent years Teignbridge has made significant staffing reductions and ongoing savings. It has seen a reduction of more than 30 staff — 15 of whom were senior managers. This has led to a reduction in gross pay of almost eight per cent and a reduction in costs of more than £1million.

"We have done this while remaining in the top-performing quartile of district councils. That is a reputation we want to retain and enhance."

He said that as the financial climate remains bleak, the review will help the district authority maintain the services and protect local pockets.

There will be a progress report to the council in the summer.

"This is an ongoing process and it will be subject of continuing consultation with staff affected, trade unions, the executive and opposition group leaders. Where we can, we will consider voluntary departure requests," said Cllr Christophers.

"This will be a sensitive time because we will be saying goodbye to some respected colleagues who have made a valuable contribution to Teignbridge.

"In the meantime it is very much business as usual for Teignbridge and I know staff will remain committed to providing our residents with the best services possible."