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Two of Lincolnshire's district councils have unveiled far-reaching plans for a massive merger of back-office services – while a third backed out. East Lindsey DC and South Holland DC confirmed they would merge five internal departments to improve efficiency and save money. The councils will share finance, human resources, revenues, benefits, and customer services departments within 15 months. The deal was agreed this week after two votes by councillors. Boston BC voted to opt out of the full initiative. Boston council leader, Richard Austin, said: ‘Boston BC is in favour of merging back-office services and working with our neighbouring councils on a number of fronts. ‘This particular proposal for all five services would be too risky at the present time.' In a joint statement, East Lindsey and South Holland said the deal would offer residents better value for their council tax, and they would not delay in starting work. ‘This landmark decision shows we will be leading the way in the county and the region in providing better, more cost-effective public services. ‘We will be able to generate savings through economies of scale and more efficient ways of working.' Both council also sought to reassure residents that frontline services would remain unchanged. ‘By voting for an in-house merger, we get the best of both worlds – we will be building on our experience of providing top-class public services and marrying that with stringent business processes to root out duplication, red tape and bureaucracy,' they said. ‘We believe this is a good deal for our residents and for our district. Merging these support services helps protect frontline services and ensures we can continue to attract the highest calibre of people working for our area.'

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WHITEHALL

Lincs districts opt for a merger

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