City of York Council has a new look from today (1 April).

The new structure sees a reduction in the number of directorates (departments) and directors from six to four:
· Communities and Neighbourhoods
· Adults, Children and Education
· Customer and Business Support
· City Strategy.

The changes are designed to meet the council's commitment to reduce running costs in light of proposed reductions in public sector funding, as well as using technology to further improve efficiency.

The number of senior managers at the council will also be reduced by approximately 10 per cent over the next few months.

Councils across the country are facing serious financial pressures, both as a result of government funding and increased pressure on services.

By making changes now, the council is confident that it will be able to continue to provide high quality services for York in the future.

The re-structure is expected to save the council between £1.2m and £1.6m.

The Organisation Review is part of the More for York programme, which aims to achieve:
· More for our customers
· More for our employees
· More for our money

These objectives shaped phase one of the Organisation Review and will continue to shape proposals in phase two, with particular emphasis on
· Greater levels of customer insight driving design and delivery of services
· Greater joining up of service delivery in neighbourhoods and responsiveness to the needs of local communities
· Supporting the economy of the city through the recession
· Rethinking how we deliver services to an increasing population of older people with needs of our services who want greater choice and    
· independence in later life
· Support for staff through provision of better working environments, equipment, and training and development for the jobs of the future
· Securing the overall savings target of the Organisation Review - between £1.2 and £1.6 m savings from the management costs of the council