Council to look at ‘jobshare’ idea (From South Wales Guardian)

Council to look at ‘jobshare’ idea

5:00pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in Ammanford news

AMMANFORD town councillors are considering whether to enter a “jobshare” with neighbouring Cwmaman town council in the face of forthcoming local authority cutbacks.

County councillor Colin Evans suggested the towncouncil should consider “sharing and pooling”

the cost of running toilets and parks which Carmarthenshire CC would be unable to maintain.

“Weare living in austere times and the message to emerge from the Lib Dem conference is that this coalition government is going to make further cuts down the line,” he said.

“At the recent Executive Board meeting we were told the county council had made £10m cuts last year and was having to make a further £10m this year and next. The county council is now looking at its non-statutory functions – it’s nowan opportune time for community and town councils to work together.”

Cllr Evans argued it made sense to join forces with a neighbouring council like Cwmaman.

“Weshould meet for exploratory talks and discuss what common areas we have to share costs,” he added. “I’m thinking primarily of public toilets – what park areas we might take over depends on what package we’re offered by the county council.

“There’s a degree of urgency in this as both Cwmaman and ourselves are seeking to set precepts.”

It was agreed to seek a meeting with Cwmaman.