A PROPOSAL to enter into a tri-council partnership was described as both ‘empire building’ and a ‘golden opportunity’ by councillors in a heated debate.

At a meeting of the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s management committee, claims were also made that some senior staff members have chosen to leave because of the increased workload from the shared services partnership with West Dorset District Council.

Despite concerns over how the move might impact staff, the committee voted to recommend the plans, which will be discussed more thoroughly at a full council meeting in November.

Councillor Mike Goodman told the meeting that a tri-council partnership between Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset and North Dorset is a ‘golden opportunity’.

He added: “I think it’s a great idea. Whatever we can do to preserve and enhance the work of the three authorities together and drive efficiencies that do not impact on the public is something we have got a grasp wholeheartedly.”

Councillor Ian Roebuck was the only councillor to disagree with the proposal when it came to a vote.

He said: “In this whole business case, nowhere is it looking at the impact on staff. I’m aware we are already losing senior staff who are overloaded by this.

“I was told yesterday that another of these senior members has given notice and made it very clear the reason for that is this potential move.”

Cllr Roebuck added: “On that basis I could never support it.”

Councillor Ray Nowak said: “My natural position is caution about empire building and this is what I fear it could be.

“Empire building is good if you are in middle management. It’s not necessarily good for the receiver of services.”

He also cautioned against a move to a unitary authority.

But he added: “I am supportive of this because it does hold quite clearly local decision making, which is vital for our future.”

Responding to councillors’ comments at the meeting, chief executive of the borough council Matt Prosser moved to reassure them that workers’ concerns are being considered.

He added that councillors needed to take ‘brave decisions’ to move forward.

“Why would we not take the money on offer from the government?

“Because it won’t be on the table for ever.

“This is an opportunity we should be looking at to consider seriously.”

The borough council has agreed to share its joint chief executive with North Dorset District Council and arrangements are scheduled to be in place by March 31 next year.

This is in order to access £600,000 from the government-run Transformation Challenge Award.

A further bid for up to £1.5m will be submitted in 2015/16 to join up senior management, services and IT, and to assist with the costs of accommodation changes.