Local authorities face staff review

STAFFING LEVELS and structures in local authorities are to be reviewed, traditional working arrangements will be re-examined while some facilities will be amalgamated, under proposals put forward by management for implementation as part of the Croke Park agreement.

Among the cost-saving measures set out in the confidential action plan for the local authorities are a review and possible reduction of the number of directorates, a merger of frontline services that deal with customers and a sharing of services between town and county councils.

The document also proposes an increased use of information technology for service delivery and “increased level of responsibility”.

Similar to the action plan for the health service, which was revealed by The Irish Times last week, the reform plan for local authorities does not set out specifically the level of savings to be realised by its implementation.

The action plan proposes the rationalisation of motor tax offices “including within and between local authorities and alternative means of service delivery” as well as the development of a single, common ICT infrastructure for local authorities nationally.

The action plan says there will be a review of traditional working arrangements such as hours of duty/attendance with a view to introducing new flexible working arrangements that suit the customer and the organisation and reduce the requirement for overtime payments.

It says that there will also be a modernisation of outdated work practices and allowances “and payments associated therewith”.

It says that in the fire service “specific procedures will be developed and implemented to ensure that minimum attendance levels at fire calls are guaranteed”.

The document also states that there will be an amalgamation and relocation of local authority facilities, “including maintenance depots and other local authority outlets or operational facilities for operational reasons”.

The action plan also says that there will be: standardisation of annual leave across the sector;better management of sick leave; an examination of current uncertified sick leave arrangements and standardisation of pay cycles

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan on Thursday rejected calls by Fine Gael to release action plans drawn up by public service management for implementation under the Croke Park agreement. Earlier in the week the Department of the Environment said publication of its action plan for local authorities would not be appropriate.