Fareham Borough Council has been commended in a government report that highlights ways for local authorities to save money.
The Department for Communities and Local Government’s document, entitled 50 ways to Save – Examples of Sensible Savings in Local Government, has praised Fareham for saving almost £500,000 by reducing staff absenteeism.
It said: “By developing in-house computer software that brought patterns of absence to managers’ attention, the council reduced average sickness rates from 10.6 days in 2003-04 to 7.2 days in 2010-11, saving “lost days” worth £446,000.”
Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of the council, said: “We’re proud of our record for always looking for the highest standards for the lowest possible cost.”
“We constantly look at ways of reducing costs including successfully sharing services with other councils. We were also one of the first councils in the country to itemise and publish all of our spending over £500 on any item and I am delighted that Fareham’s innovation in sensibly saving money has been highlighted as an example for other councils to follow.”