Plans a threat to Offaly's local democracy

A diminishing role for Offaly's two rateable town councils as well as the merger of Offaly County Council with Laois County Council could be on the cards if the recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Group get the go ahead. The proposals are already been seen in local political circles as a threat to local democracy in Offaly. The group published its report last Friday July 23, outlining its recommendations for savings the Government could make. If the recommendations receive approval Birr and Tullamore Town Councils could lose many powers, handing over certain areas of responsibility to the county council, such as responsibility for planning, roads and housing functions. The group also recommends that town councils should lose their rateable powers, with commercial rates to be set instead by county councils. At present, Tullamore Town Council receives 53% of its income from commercial rates and Birr Town Council receives 41.63%. However, perhaps even more detrimental would be the amalgamation of Offaly County Council with Laois County Council meaning many of the decisions made regarding the county could come from County Buildings in Portlaoise, depending on where the HQ for the dual-county council would be located. There would also be only one dual-county manager. The thinking behind the amalgamation of 20 local authorities nationwide is to reduce cost in cutting the number of county managers by a third while also reducing the number of directors of services by 20%. The group is also recommending a 15% reduction in the number of staff at senior levels and a 10% cut in the number of staff working in planning. Currently Offaly county Council employ 478 staff (whole-time equivalents).