A DIRECTOR for a new shared children’s service in West Cheshire and Halton is expected to be appointed next week.
It is expected to become the first shared children’s service in the country but has been slammed by the Labour opposition on Cheshire West and Chester Council over the way senior directors were appointed.
Halton Borough Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council had agreed to extend partnership arrangements already existing in the areas of archives and library support.
Next Wednesday, Cheshire West and Chester executive will be asked to approve the appointment of Gerald Meehan as strategic Director of Children’s Services for both councils.
If agreed, Bristol-born Mr Meehan, currently strategic Director of Children’s Services at Halton Council for the past five years, is expected to assume the role on March 1.
Labour group leader Derek Bateman said: “The council's staffing committee should have been consulted and asked to make an appointment or at least confirm the appointment of Mr Meehan as being the Director in place of the demoted John Stevens the current Cheshire West & Chester Director, now demoted to deputy director of a shared service without any reference of agreement from the Staffing Committee, a requirement of the constitution.
“Not only that, all the Tories can say is he is on pay protection for three years and he may well leave in the meantime.”
Cllr Bateman said: “This is not being done in my name or the name of any of my constituents. It's a disgrace.” He said he would be writing to the council’s auditors about it.
A spokesman for CWAC said the decision on the appointments will be made by the executive committee.
He said: “Officers of the council legal service have throughout been advising on the procedure, which does not contravene the council’s constitution.”
Mr Meehan, who had worked at St Helens and Wigan Council before Halton, said: “This is likely to be the first shared children’s service in England, and this reflects both councils’ wish to share best practice and get better value for money.
“The arrangement retains political boundaries and accountabilities to ensure children’s services keep that local feel.”
Council members will also be asked to endorse the appointment of Dr John Stephens as deputy director of the new joint service with the responsibility for education.
Dr Stephens joined Cheshire West and Chester Council in February, 2009, having previously worked in senior roles in schools and local authorities.
He said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for two councils to formalise their relationship and to work collaboratively, drawing on each other’s strengths.”
