Cheshire East Council Looks At Out-Sourcing Highways Work (From Crewe Guardian)

Cheshire East Council Looks At Out-Sourcing Highways Work

8:58am Thursday 29th July 2010

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SCORES of jobs are under threat at Cheshire East Council under council plans to allow a private firm to take over its highway maintenance work.

Council bosses are looking at out-sourcing work currently split between staff and outside contractors, to a private firm to cut costs.

But the authority has said the move would lead to a number of workers losing their jobs, or transferring to the new provider.

Labour councillor Roy Cartlidge said: “What this means is that local residents and councillors are going to lose control and accountability over the work that is done.

“It is yet another example of the council cutting services without thinking of the consequences.”

Conservative councillor David Brickhill said the former county council had a contract with a private firm, which is due to expire next year.

He added: “Rather than renegotiating this contract, Cheshire East is now looking at all aspects of highways provision.

“The authority is exploring the possibility of operating something called a ‘thin client’, whereby the council has as few people actually working for them as possible.

“My concern is how the work will be specified and checked. But if this can be done and it saves money as well, then it has to be a good thing.”

A council spokesperson said: “In replacing the existing contract which runs out in September 2011, the council has the opportunity to modernise the whole of the service by adopting a fresh delivery model.

“This is a positive step - we are working to provide a well-worked-through solution which will deliver increased value for money for every Cheshire East resident.

“We do not intend to reinvent the wheel through this project.

“All staff have been, and will continue to be, briefed as scope of the new arrangements develop.

“We will retain a skilled staff base on council premises, maintaining a personal link between the authority and local residents.

“Some staff may transfer to the new provider as part of the new contract.

“Cheshire East Council will also need to continue to work within the constraints of reduced funding from the Department of Transport and this may lead to some limited voluntary redundancy.”

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