Two councils have announced their intention to share a chief executive to save money.

The move, which will see Tonbridge and Malling’s chief executive David Hughes split his time between the that authority and Gravesham council, could save both councils more than £50,000 a year.

They would be the first local authorities in Kent to share the role.

If agreed, the joint post will initially run for two years from July, when Glyn Thomson is set to retire from Gravesham’s top job.

Cllr Mike Snelling, leader of Gravesham council, said: "It makes absolute sense to merge the top jobs and we are confident this will work.

"The two councils have learned a great deal from each other in the shared management arrangements we have already introduced. There is every indication that more can be achieved which will deliver even better value for money to the council tax payer."

Mr Hughes, who has held the chief executive post at Tonbridge and Malling for nine years and has a background in finance, said he was delighted at the prospect of taking on the dual role.

He said: "This is an opportunity to reduce management costs and move forward in a way that releases resources to protect frontline services."

He added that Tonbridge and Malling had much to learn from Gravesham council, including its work promoting a diverse community and using technology to improve services.

The job share forms part of Gravesham council’s drive to cut costs, which will see another 44 posts go in the next four years through natural wastage.

The council has confirmed it will not be increasing council tax this year.

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