'Council merger' to cut costs sparks job loss fears

A union has said it is worried plans for Wandsworth and Richmond councils to merge may lead to job losses.

Under the new plans the chief executive of Wandsworth Council would become chief executive of both councils and the deputy would be from Richmond Council.However, while the management of the two councils would be merged they will continue to be 2 separate bodies with their own elected councillors, cabinets and leaders.

Both Conservative run councils have said in a joint statement that cutbacks are necessary to protect public services.

It's a model which seems to be working elsewhere in London. Kensington and Chelsea have shared a chief executive with Hammersmith and Fulham since 2011. They also share other services with Westminster in a move which up to now is thought to have saved them more than £30m.

Wandsworth and Richmond councils say the tie-up could deliver savings of up to £10m a year.But opponents say they are worried the merger could dramatically cut the number of jobs.

The plans are still up for debate at future council meetings. But if they're given the go ahead, Richmond and Wandsworth will join forces from March 2017.