New local solution for improvement in local government

A radical new local solution for improvement in local government will be put in place if the recommendation of a panel of councillors is approved by the Council on Tuesday, 17 December.

The new approach will see East Sussex County Council become the corporate improvement partner for West Sussex County Council, with Becky Shaw, current Chief Executive of East Sussex taking up the reins as joint chief executive of both councils in January.

Leader of West Sussex County Council Paul Marshall said: “East Sussex County Council will provide us with the support and expertise we need to move forward and improve the services we offer our residents.

“Becky is a trusted and well-established chief executive with a great track record in public service and a fantastic reputation both locally and nationally.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Lee Harris for stepping up as Acting Chief Executive and for his valuable contribution in recent months as well as his efforts to support Becky Shaw as the incoming chief executive.”

This proposal will also be recommended to East Sussex County Council’s cabinet when it meets on Wednesday.

Keith Glazier, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said the agreement would strengthen both counties in areas of joint interest, from transport and infrastructure to government lobbying and local arrangements for health and social care.

He said: “We all benefit from stronger local services and good management which is why we’re confident this partnership would be valuable for East Sussex as well. Working effectively with other organisations has always been one of our strengths and I’m proud of a track record which means that our neighbours see us as ideal improvement partners.”

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