Leading figures from public sector organisations across the district – including Liberal Democrat Council leader Stuart Langhorn and Conservative County Council leader Geoff Driver – have pledged to work together to support local residents and businesses in these difficult times.
At a recent meeting of leading representatives from public sector organisations there was collective acknowledgement that the impact of the recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcements will result in a very different district in four years time.
Organisations, including Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, NHS North Lancashire, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Lancashire Constabulary have agreed that working together in public services is vital.
The group is already examining potential to increase shared working opportunities and this will include collectively exploring all opportunities to reduce costs to protect front line services delivered to people as far as possible.
As part of the joined up working there is a genuine desire to involve local people and hear their views to ensure the services offered within the district in the future most closely reflect their needs.
Commenting, Lancaster City Council Leader, Coun Stuart Langhorn said: “Residents and local businesses should be reassured that leaders in this district fully recognise the responsibility we have for their well being, particularly to people who are most vulnerable and know there is a genuine commitment from us all to come together for that purpose.”
Commenting, Lancashire County Council Leader, County Councillor Geoff Driver said: “It’s important in these challenging financial times that organisations co-operate to take full advantage of the financial benefits of working together. There is only one set of Council Tax payers and those in Lancaster will be better off due to this initiative in which the County Council is playing its full part.”