A MOVE to cut the number of executive directors, the top level of management running Wiltshire Council, from three to two would save the cash-strapped authority £205,000 a year.
Councillors on the ruling Cabinet voted to support the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday, , after council leader Cllr Philip Whitehead said: “This proposal was made after discussion with the current executive directors, who have agreed that the current tier one structure and roles need to change to enable them to focus more on strategic planning for the future of Wiltshire with me and cabinet, removing their need to spend time focusing on delivery of those strategies and providing operational oversight.
“My proposed structure will bring together our Adults, Children’s, Education and Public Health services under one executive director for People. The aim of this is to enable the closer working in these areas and with our partners to develop. 
“I also want more strategic focus on growing the economy of Wiltshire and empowering our residents and local communities to shape their own futures and this will be the focus of the Executive Director for Place.
“In addition, I believe this proposed structure will allow a more consistent relationship with partners.”
If approved and once implemented, the revised structure will also see the statutory roles of director of children’s services and statutory director of adult social services designated to appropriate directors at tier two. 
This will ensure the two executive directors have the capacity needed to place a greater focus on strategic planning.
The final structure will be confirmed after November 27, following a period of formal consultation with the existing executive directors, Carlton Brand for adult care, public health and digital, Terence Herbert for children and education and Alistair Cunningham for growth, investment and place. It will then be decided if redundancy is an option. The full report can be seen on the council’s website.