A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to part privatise Warrington Borough Council’s planning and development control service is to be put to Town Hall chiefs.
The scheme would involve establishing a “commercial partnership” between the council and a private firm.
A row flared last month when the proposal was exclusively revealed by warrington-worldwide as a result of a leaked email.
The idea was condemned as a knee-jerk reaction and “a short-sighted attempt to save money.”
There was particular anger because the proposal was being considered without councillors being consulted – even members of the development control committee.
The proposal now being put to the council’s executive is for a commercial partnership.
The council would retain direct control of planning policy and decision making. But the process, procedural and technical aspects of dealing with planning applications and building control would be transferred to a commercial partner.
A report to the executive makes it clear that Warrington’s existing planning department works well.
But it suggests a commercial partnership would ensure standards were maintained and could be commercially beneficial to the council and the community.
With the right “business partner” the council could have a flagship planning and development hub bases in Warrington, retain planning excellence and establish and grow a new business.
The possibility of providing planning services outside the borough is mentioned.
Executive members are being asked to carry out an evaluation exercise which would include establishing the availability and potential of “business partners”.
The outcome of the exercise would be reported to the executive in January or February – but there would be no commitment to actually enter into a partnership.
Warrington already provides a joint Trading Standards service with neighbouring Halton and is working with NHS Warrington, with a joint commissioning board.
2 Comments
Not a good example, mentioning Trading Standards. At one time, they were easily accessible, now it’s that complicated that people probably don’t bother.
This does beg the question as to whether the council will be doing “anything” except ticking boxes in a few years time. They seem to be off-loading everything.
Is it because they are incapable or is it that they just don’t care.
With departments possibly being privatised/reduced or shared with neighbouring authorities and possibly saving the council money, will the public and businesses of Warrington get a reduction in there community charge and business rates or will the charges keep on rising year on year?