Why we chose to go it alone

摘要

We have just announced the shared chief executive arrangement with Essex CC and Brentwood BC would be coming to an end. The arrangements, set up in 2007, were the first of their kind in the country, supported by our local MP - and now communities secretary - Eric Pickles. The spotlight has remained on us as Mr Pickles took up his role at DCLG, and other councils were encouraged to look at opportunities to share resources. So, has it worked? Without a doubt, I can say yes, it has been hugely successful, proven by the fact that we are now going forward without a chief executive, having achieved what we set out to do - modernise the council and make efficiencies and savings.