TWO councils are looking to cut costs by sharing one chief executive.

Braintree Council leader Graham Butland and Colchester Council leader Anne Turrell have been in discussions about such a move.

Braintree chief executive Allan Reid’s salary was £119,000 for 2008/09, and was frozen for 2009/10.

In July, 2009/10 accounts revealed Colchester’s chief executive Adrian Pritchard’s salary rose by 1.5 per cent, from £115,339 to £117,107.

At a full meeting of Braintree Council, Mr Butland said: “This doesn’t involve any merging of our councils.

“Each council would remain independent. However, Councillor Turrell and myself believe there could be a range of benefits.

“A report will be prepared for our January cabinet meeting to determine whether this is the right way forward for our two councils.” He said in the current economic climate, councils needed to consider the “unthinkable, and make difficult decisions” to protect frontline staff.

The TaxPayers’ Alliance campaign director, Emma Boon, said: “In some cases real savings can be made by smaller councils sharing chief executives.”

Braintree Council is already working with other local authorities in a bid to cut costs.

It is looking to merge waste collection services with Uttlesford and operate one waste collection point from Millenium Tower, on Braintree’s Lakes Road Industrial Park.

It also has a parking partnership with Colchester Council and is currently in discussions with Essex County Council and Brentwood Council about working together more closely.

Paul Smith, Colchester councillor responsible for resources, thinks each council could save about £50,000.

He said: “The chief executive would probably split their time equally between the two councils. But if there’s a problem on one of the councils, they would have to spend more time on that one.”

Mrs Turrell is expected to announce the proposal at a full Colchester Council meeting tomorrow.