Conservative-controlled Somerset County Council is moving more than 250 staff into Sedgemoor District Council’s Bridgwater House to deliver better value for money for local residents.
The move will enable both councils to reduce running costs through sharing facilities and make it easier for residents to access public services through a shared reception space.
It forms part of the County Council’s Smart Office programme to reduce the number of major office buildings it operates from 33 to just five. This is the second move of its kind for Somerset County Council after around 30 staff moved in with West Somerset Council at the end of 2012.
Somerset County Council’s Conservative Cabinet Member for Resources, David Huxtable, said: “We are working hard to reduce the amount we spend on offices and welcome this opportunity to work more closely with our colleagues at Sedgemoor District Council.
“We remain on track to save just under £1m per year once the Smart Office programme is completed. This will then enable us to focus on spending our budget on delivering services that matter to the people of Somerset.”
Councillor Ann Bown, Sedgemoor District Council’s Conservative portfolio holder for Corporate and Scrutiny said: “We look forward to welcoming more County Council staff into Bridgwater House. We already share the building with other organisations such as Homes in Sedgemoor and HMRC. Anything we can do to improve service and reduce costs is most welcome in this financial climate.”
Kerry Rickards, Sedgemoor’s Chief Executive added “We are pleased our County colleagues are moving into Bridgwater House and that the building is becoming even more of a one-stop-shop for public services.”
The moves to Bridgwater House are happening in phases from 4 November to 6 December. The County Council reception at Blake is due to close on 11 November and all visitors will then need to use the shared reception at Bridgwater House.