Midlothian and East Lothian councils to develop shared arrangements

Midlothian Council and East Lothian Councils have agreed in principle to combine education and children's services management and support functions across both council areas.

The decision follows a seven month project supported by the Scottish Government to develop a business case for the shared service.

The aim is to reduce costs and improve service delivery.

The councils will now appoint a joint team to resolve outstanding issues, with final approval dependent on this process and on reaching a decision on governance arrangements to be adopted for the shared service.

Once the appropriate governance model has been agreed, a senior management team for the shared service will be appointed.

Both local authorities expect to see the number of children living in their areas rise substantially over the next two decades.

Further financial modelling work will continue between now and October 2011 to set out the costs savings that can be made.

Midlothian Council leader, Councillor Derek Milligan, said: "I am pleased that we are making progress with changes which will allow us to protect frontline services by delivering more efficient management arrangements for education and children's services across both councils."

Further information:
Midlothian Council