Joint working under spotlight

The Council’s Strategy Group recommended that a ‘Key Partner Concordat’ with the county council should be adopted at a meeting on Thursday. The Concordat would formally cement partnership working between the two local authorities to improve the services they provide to residents.

Councillors also considered whether to look at further Concordats with other partner organisations.

Councillor Chris Millar, leader of Daventry District Council, said: “Our council already works closely with the county council on a range of issues, from economic regeneration to initiatives for young people.

“We have mutual aims, such as creating thriving communities, improving the local economy and protecting the environment, along with mutual challenges such as accommodating growth in our district. It is in the interest of our residents that we continue to improve the way we work together and a Concordat would formally recognise the partnership between both councils.

“In today’s tough economic climate, more effective working between local authorities can only bring benefits to residents in the county.”

Leader of Northamptonshire County Council, Cllr Jim Harker, said: “There is no doubt that working together with other councils is key to ensuring that we achieve the best outcomes for the people of Northamptonshire.

“Partnership working is essential in many areas of our work and cementing our relationship with Daventry District Council formally is a very positive step.”

Daventry District Council has already agreed to work more closely with neighbouring South Northamptonshire Council after signing a Memorandum of Intent with the neighbouring authority in autumn last year. The councils already work together on services including payroll and community safety.

The proposed Concordat will now go before members at the next full Council meeting on Thursday, December 11.