Wirral Council to Restructure Leadership, Cutting Two Top Roles

Changes are on the horizon for Wirral Council, as two senior leadership positions are slated for elimination in a bid to enhance the authority’s operational efficiency. Councillors will convene on March 23, 2024, to consider approving the restructuring plan, which aims to streamline the council’s management and ultimately reduce costs.

The proposed changes include the introduction of two new executive roles and a director of capital programmes and assets. Additionally, adjustments will be made to the council’s legal and finance departments, involving the removal of existing positions for regeneration and neighbourhood directors. This restructuring is part of a broader strategy to improve financial management and service delivery across the council.

In an internal communication shared with staff, Matthew Bennett, the Chief Executive Officer, outlined his vision for the council’s leadership framework. He stated, “Since I took up the role of Chief Executive, I’ve been looking at how our senior management structure works, where we need capacity to help us deliver and what our strategic focus needs to be for the future.” Bennett emphasized the necessity of a robust leadership structure to manage finances effectively and to enhance the pace of change within the council.

The impetus for these changes also stems from a £6 million financial support condition imposed by the government, which requires the council to expedite its transformation efforts. Recent feedback from independent inspectors highlighted the need for urgent progress in this regard.

Bennett assured staff that a consultation process will accompany the restructuring, which will affect several leadership roles across various services. The anticipated costs of implementing these changes are estimated at £296,000, but the projected savings are significantly higher. A prior budget approved on March 2, 2024, indicates that the council expects to save £294,000 through reductions in its legal and back-office departments, along with £160,000 over two years in regeneration, and £1 million from the CEO-led staffing restructure.

Bennett expressed optimism that, if approved, the changes would be in place by summer 2024. He believes the restructuring will enhance the council’s capacity to meet future demands while ensuring better integration of public health services along with adult and children’s social care.

In summary, the restructuring at Wirral Council aims to create a more efficient management structure that responds effectively to the growing demands on local services. The outcome of the meeting on March 23 will determine the direction of these crucial changes.