This in from the Isle of Wight council, in their words – Ed
Joint media statement from Councillor David Pugh, Leader of Isle of Wight Council and Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council.
As part of our on-going commitment to providing high quality services at best value to local taxpayers against a backdrop of unprecedented financial challenges, our two authorities are exploring genuine opportunities for joint working. This is a practice being developed in many parts of the country.
To explore specific plans
We have now agreed to explore specific plans in more detail for shared expertise, joint appointments, merged teams and joint expenditure in a number of areas including education support and environment services.
We will be working with our staff in both authorities to help in the development of these plans and, with the exception of school improvement support, we do not envisage implementing any significant changes before April 2012.
No noticeable impact
For our residents who receive our services, both in the Southampton area and on the Isle of Wight, there should be no noticeable impact on the delivery of services or indeed the decision making and accountability for these services, which will remain entirely with each respective elected authority.
However, by working together, sharing our expertise with each other and combining our resources and purchasing power, we hope to be in a position to sustain the level and quality of services being enjoyed by residents and visitors whilst doing so more efficiently and at less cost to the taxpayer.
We continue also to explore similar arrangements with other neighbouring authorities where the opportunities arise.
