Witney News - Shared Chief Executive Proposals

Shared Chief Executive Proposals

Cotswold District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council have announced they are considering formal proposals to share a chief executive.

Under the arrangement, West Oxfordshire’s Chief Executive David Neudegg would divide his time between the two authorities.

The plans are to be formally considered at full Council meetings later this month by Cotswold on October 20 and West Oxfordshire on October 22. If the recommendation is agreed, Mr Neudegg could start his new joint managerial post on 1st November 2008.

In a joint statement, the Councils said the proposed move was a real opportunity to consider closer working that could benefit both authorities and bring improvements to services for residents.

Cotswold Leader Cllr Lynden Stowe said: “I think this could be a great opportunity for both Councils to work closely together for the benefit of local people. Although we are in neighbouring counties, we have many things in common, including our built and natural environments, our structure and the range of services we provide to largely rural communities.

“It’s clear that we are facing similar challenges and I believe sharing a chief executive would allow us to explore joint working arrangements that could lead to greater efficiency and value for money for our residents.”

West Oxfordshire Leader Cllr Barry Norton said: “We were approached by Cotswold District Council and agreed to consider sharing our Chief Executive, thereby offering mutual benefits and real cost savings to the council taxpayer. There are many similarities between the two authorities both geographically and economically and, we face similar opportunities and challenges.

“The joint post is initially for a six-month period and we shall review the arrangements after then. In the meantime it is business as usual in West Oxfordshire.”

David Neudegg has a wide experience in local government, particularly with district councils. He was Corporate Director at Salisbury District Council before joining West Oxfordshire District Council as Chief Executive in January 2007.

Cotswold District Council is considering this special arrangement after looking at a number of options for a new chief executive, following the departure of Bob Austin in July. The Council’s four directors are currently acting as interim chief executive on a rota basis.