Working together saves councils over £600,000

Co-operation has saved two councils £603,000

Joint working between two Surrey local authorities has lead to savings of £603,000, according to an independent report.

Since 2022 Guildford and Waverley borough councils have shared a chief executive and leadership team.

In September a shared planning team was launched.

The report also said future savings could be even greater, now the one-off costs of creating shared teams have been met.

Guildford leader Julia McShane said: "We are excited about the potential to build on these results to drive further savings.

"As we continue to work together, our priority is to ensure that the services we provide to residents remain efficient and of the highest quality."

Waverley's leader Paul Follows said: "Our joint working has allowed us to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maintain the standards of our services.

"We are in a fantastic position to explore further opportunities for collaboration that will generate additional savings and benefits for both councils and the communities we serve."

Guildford and Waverley councils share a leadership team

The report also said there had been no fall in the performance of services by either council.

With the government planning to reorganise local government, possibly merging districts and boroughs into larger unitary authorities, Follows said Guildford and Waverley are in a good position.

He said: "Being able to demonstrate a strong and successful partnership will also enable Guildford and Waverley to make very powerful case for us to have the central role in any future unitary council covering our area."

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