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Communities secretary, Eric Pickles, would be wise not to tell Graham Burgess he has a non job. The industrious chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council has just guided his authority into a management merger across the NHS and the council. While Mr Pickles berates chief executives' salaries and functions, Mr Burgess has shown the sort of initiative which best comes from people in his position. Jim Hancock is former BBC North West correspondent Not that the silver-haired Mr Burgess wants to pick a fight with the pugilistic Mr Pickles. He feels the savings in management costs will whet his ample appetite. Furthermore, health and council chiefs believe they are preparing the Lancashire town for the reformed role of GPs. The plan is for doctors to have a much bigger role in commissioning services. The new council/trust partnership, with a budget of £800m, will be in a good position to help, according to Mr Burgess. No doubt, the merger was helped by the fact that the care trust board chair is Sir Bill Taylor, the redoubtable former leader of Blackburn with Darwen, but both he and Mr Burgess face some formidable challenges. GPs, in particular, and the health service, in general, are not used to the close proximity of politicians and open robust debate on priorities. It is not clear whether this management merger will give the public more say. Also, there are already signs that our GPs – average salary, £106,000 – are going to want a top up to take on extra responsibilities. That won't appeal to the health secretary or Mr Pickles. Across the country, management link ups are under way. Also in the North West, Trafford MBC's children's services and health teams have been merged for more than 12 months. They are driven by chief executives who, far from having non jobs, actually have the vision and commitment that makes the post more vital – not less.

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WHITEHALL

Soap Box

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