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Monday 3 November 2014

Knowle relocation project: and the longer-term demise of district councils... part seven: "In favour of efficiencies"

It really does seem that Cranbrook and Skypark are all about the expansion of 'Greater Exeter':
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: and the longer-term demise of district councils... part two
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: and the longer-term demise of district councils... part three: Skypark and "the full economic potential of Exeter"

And to enable the expansion of Skypark in particular, it will be very handy if the headquarters of the District Council relocated there:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: and the Skypark fly-through: "Many a contentious proposal has shimmied through the planning process (and on to the sales office) on the back of a series of CGIs, gleaming evocations that are liable to be slight on detail and heavy on seductive gleam."

According to Stagecoach a couple of weeks ago, it seems most businesses and media consider Cranbrook and Skypark to be part of 'Greater Exeter':

"… The Exeter Megarider zone is being extended to include the new town of Cranbrook... "

Stagecoach announce Cranbrook bus fare reduction - News - Cranbrook Herald
Cranbrook now part of Exeter according to Stagecoach | East Devon Alliance


And according to the WMN, Skypark is part of Exeter - whilst a senior Councillor comments about the direction of local government:

"Conservative Ken Potter, of East Devon District Council, which is currently engineering a move to new purpose-built premises at Exeter’s Skypark, said the mood at a recent Local Government Association conference was in favour of efficiencies but not of political union."

Ex-leader warns Devon: don't get caught napping on devolution | Western Morning News
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: and the longer-term demise of district councils...... part six: "I think we will see economic groupings rather than political ones.”

It appears that East Devon's neighbours - in Dorset - are also in favour of 'efficiencies', according to a story from yesterday:

North Dorset agrees tri-council merger:
Weymouth and Portland council will vote on the plans before 6 November

North Dorset District councillors have voted to merge with two other authorities as part of a "tri-council" arrangement. It has been claimed the merger, which also includes West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland councils, will save £6m by 2020. North Dorset has followed West Dorset into agreeing the move with Weymouth and Portland to vote on Thursday.

The authorities would share one chief executive and senior management team. A "single workforce" would also be created but it is has not been made clear how many job losses there will be. Each council will continue to set its own budget and remain independent, but will work from one office.

Related Stories
One boss for three Dorset councils 24 OCTOBER 2014, DORSET
Councils may join forces to save £6m 15 SEPTEMBER 2014, DORSET


BBC News - North Dorset agrees tri-council merger

As commented on by the EDA earlier today, this might point to the future of East Devon:

Where Dorset leads will East Devon, Mid-Devon, Teignbridge and/or Exeter follow? It is said the Dorset councils will save around £200 million a year.

Three Dorset councils merge all admin functions | East Devon Alliance

It seems, therefore, that more than a simple sharing of IT facilities might be in the offing for East Devon and its powerful neighbours - in Devon:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: and the longer-term demise of district councils... part four... IT services and "Another fat little privatisation through the back door approaching?"

And meanwhile, in the wake of the Scottish vote, the whole issue of 'unitary authorities' vexes the local and national press:
Hold tri-merger to ease the risks (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)
What is the point of West Dorset District Council? (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)
Devolution for Devon? Labour to unveil 'self-rule' plan for Plymouth region | Plymouth Herald
Grassroots rebellion over arrogant leadership in Devon and Cornwall | Western Morning News
Escape from Omnishambleshire: the case for the old county boundaries » The Spectator
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