Camden and Islington councils 'planning to share' chief executive

The Leaders of Islington and Camden councils have today announced their intention to explore the possibility of sharing a chief executive and senior management team.

The radical proposal, which would be the first of its kind in London, would see management costs reduced and greater opportunity for innovation and shared services across borough boundaries.

John Foster, Chief Executive of Islington Council, has already announced that he will retire in May 2011. If both councils agree to proceed, Camden’s chief executive Moira Gibb would also take the helm at Islington.

The appointment of a joint chief executive and shared management team would not change the political leadership and governance arrangements of either borough.

Closer partnership working at a management level between the two boroughs is expected to produce significant efficiencies and financial savings.

Both authorities need to find real savings over the medium term - Camden and Islington face budget gaps of £80 to £100m, and £65 to £100m respectively.

With significant reductions in local authority finances looming, Islington and Camden have already been working in partnership to find ways where joint working will deliver financial savings.

Earlier this year, both councils made substantial savings by entering into a joint contract to provide school meals.

Councillor 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.

“I want us to examine in detail how such a groundbreaking arrangement across Camden and Islington could drive down costs and reduce bureaucracy."

Councillor Catherine West, Leader of Islington Council, said: “Today we have taken the first step towards a closer relationship between our boroughs.

"In the face of government cuts, it’s more important than ever that we save money. By working together, we have a combined purchasing power and more clout when it comes to getting better value for money in service delivery.

“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 next steps are to explore the proposals in more depth. A detailed report will be considered by the councils' Executive and Cabinet before the end of the year.