Praise for Wiltshire Council's unitary move
By nhavergal | Thursday, November 01, 2012, 12:30
A government report has highlighted the positive move by Wiltshire Council to become a unitary authority back in 2009.
Since becoming a unitary authority the report highlighted the saving of £68 million in the council's budget between 2009 and 2013 as well as benefits to the local economy.
Jane Scott, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: " This report is recognition that our radical and forward thinking move to unitary has benefitted both residents and businesses alike."
The report was created by Lord Heseltine titled: "No Stone Unturned in Pursuit of Growth," which states: "Back office costs now only comprise 9 percent of Wiltshire Council's budget as opposed to 19 percent for its predecessor bodies. The new authority has achieved procurement savings of £36 million through increased buying power and stronger market position."
Jane Scott adds: "Lord Heseltine states that the council is also now in a much stronger position to support economic growth and improve the future prospects of residents and businesses."
Before becoming a unitary authority in 2009, Wiltshire Council had four districts: Kennet, North Wiltshire, Salisbury and West Wiltshire.
Do you think the council is now in a stronger position in the economy since becoming a unitary authority? Have your say here!
Comments
Well best of luck to you and I'm sure you have plenty on your plate if you are looking after 7 different sites. It doesnt really make any sense for one person to look after this many sites because none of them are then really local at all. I realise this isn't your fault, of course, but it does seem mad and a bit pointless. I still visit the site but much less than I used to because there is usually very little on here than isnt already available everywhere else.
By Helsinbristol at 14:12 on 07/11/12
ReportHi, thank you for your feedback. I now look after seven hyperlocal websites and try my best to feed as much local news on them as possible. This month there's lots happening in Warminster which I will be covering and will start building more contacts in the local area. I have lived in Wiltshire for the majority of my life and know Warminster well. With this knowledge I will work towards more Warminster based news so this continues to be a hub for local people.
By nhavergal at 10:44 on 07/11/12
ReportHello, I really think it should just concentrate on Warminster news and events as it used to. There's no value in reading Wiltshire Council press releases on here unless they are specifically relevant to Warminster because we can already read them on the Wiltshire Council website and lots of other places. Why is there so little local material on Warminster People now?
By Helsinbristol at 15:42 on 06/11/12
ReportI'm sorry you feel this way. I try promote Wiltshire Council's goings on via Warminster People. What would you like to see on the website? Feedback from users is always valuable.
By nhavergal at 13:12 on 06/11/12
ReportCut out the middle man and just visit Wiltshire Council's website because it seems that all Warminster People does these days is publish their press releases and little else. What on earth has happened to this site over the last three months?
By Helsinbristol at 18:33 on 05/11/12
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