Money saving budget plans have been approved by Northampton Borough Council.
The proposals, which were first revealed at the end of last year, suggest a range of back-office services at the Guildhall, such as IT and human resources, should be transferred to the Local Government Shared Services (LGSS) company, which already provides such services for Northamptonshire County Council.
The proposed move should save the borough council more than £9 million a year.
Speaking during a meeting at the Guildhall on Monday night where the plans were approved, the leader of the authority, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm) said: “These are difficult times for local councils, but I’m pleased we’re putting forward a budget which includes not only a proposal to freeze council tax but also contains proposals that will create a more efficient organisation.”
But opposition councillors said council staff who faced being transferred to LGSS were concerned about their future.
Councillor Sally Beadrdsworth (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe) said: “I think the morale among council workers is now at the lowest I have ever known it.
“A lot of people are worried about their future and I have real concern about the direction this council is taking Northampton.”
The Conservative leaders of the council have warned that some senior management jobs could be cut as part of the ‘re-shaping’ of the authority.
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