New joint chief for two Suffolk district councils

A new joint chief executive has been appointed for Babergh and Mid Suffolk district councils.

Charlie Adan takes up her new role as councillors from both authorities backed plans to create one new district council by spring 2013.

Residents across both districts will be asked whether they back the creation of a single council in a local poll to be held over a four weeks from 9 May.

The councils said the single authority could save £1.8m a year by 2014.

This is 80% more than the £1m in annual savings estimated through joint staffing structures, but with the two councils remaining as separate entities.

In September 2010, Mid Suffolk and Babergh district councils voted to begin the process to create a new authority for south and central Suffolk.

They are believed to be among the first district councils in the UK to agree in principle to go ahead with their own abolition and replacement with a new authority.

Ms Adan said of her new role: "I understand what change in organisations looks and feels like and I will be able to help guide councillors, staff, partners and the people of Babergh and Mid Suffolk who we serve through this period of transition.

"Change can be challenging, but change can also be rewarding, and I hope I will be a catalyst for positive outcomes in the years ahead."