The offices of Lichfield District Council. Pic: Lichfield District Council

The bill for redundancies following a proposed shake-up of senior management at Lichfield District Council could reach £500,000.

The offices of Lichfield District Council. Pic: Lichfield District Council
The offices of Lichfield District Council. Pic: Lichfield District Council

The local authority’s Fit for the Future programme has already seen cuts to a number of functions including parks and leisure.

But now a review of senior management is likely to lead to job cuts.

A report to be considered by Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet reveals the bill for that could be anything from £150,000 to £500,000.

“There has not been a fundamental review of the senior management structure for more than ten years,” the report said. “The current structure and arrangements have evolved as a result of events and changing circumstances, rather than by design.

“The historical and ad-hoc development of management roles and portfolios means the configuration of some parts of the current organisational structure are now neither logical or productive.

“The proposed structure aligns with the emerging themes of the Strategic Plan but also has the flexibility to adjust to future changes.

“Redundancy costs are estimated to range from a minimum of £150,000 up to a maximum £500,000.

“The council has an earmarked reserve of £100,000, so potentially an addition £400,000 may be needed. It is anticipated that this can be met from reserves.”

No figures on the number of jobs likely to go if the shake-up gets the go-ahead have been revealed, but the proposed new structure will include a chief executive with three directors for:

  • environment and economy
  • organisational transformation and resources
  • community services

All three areas – branded tier two management by the council – would then have four heads of departments at tier three.

The current structure has four portfolio directors at tier two and 19 managers with various responsibilities at tier three.

A separate review would then follow to look at roles supporting the new structure, such as PA posts.

A six-week consultation over the proposals will be launched if they are accepted by councillors.

“This will enable the views of staff and unions to be taken into consideration before a decision is made implement a new management structure,” the report added.

“Consultation will bring forward suggestions and proposals that can be considered carefully before any decision on a new structure is taken.

“However, members are reminded that once the process starts and staff are placed at risk we must be committed to its completion.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.