Social services chiefs are set to axe senior managers in a radical shake-up to save £255,000, writes Mark Templeton.

Oxfordshire County Council's social services department plans to get rid of five assistant directors' posts and seven service managers as part of a reorganisation of the department.

Social services director Mary Robertson said she was "turning hierarchy on its head" by streamlining her department into three sections for adult services, children's services and business support.

Axing the senior posts would save the council £555,000 but five new heads of service would be created at a cost of £300,000, making a total saving of £255,000. The department needs to save £300,000 as part of widespread social service cutbacks announced last year. Mrs Robertson told the social services committee: "Further details still need to be worked out but we have to ensure our management is there to support those who work on the front line."

Cllr Brian Law said any cuts should happen swiftly to avoid disruption. He said: "Having this sort of thing hanging over you is demoralising and therefore this should be given urgent attention."

The new set up aims to improve performance to meet Government targets.

Story date: Wednesday 15 December

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