Lifeline Merger – a new approach to improving service delivery
Wealden District Council Lifeline and Eastbourne Lifeline services are going to merge. A new independent company is being set up called Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline, which will provide 24 hour response services to residents and retirement housing clients across the area.
A board has been set up to run the company, which consists of nine directors, two from each Council, four independent members and the Managing Director.
The independent company will take over the management of the service from April 2005, and will operate across the Wealden and Eastbourne areas. The Company will also be looking to develop and deliver enhanced services to their existing customers and to broaden its customer base.
Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline is looking to introduce innovative packages of ‘telecare’ support, supplementing the existing 24 hour service currently provided and to make the range of services available to a wider range of individuals and organisations.
“I have been involved with Lifeline since it moved to Horam and I am convinced merger is the best way to ensure this vital service continues to make real progress,” said Councillor Mrs Margaret Kirkpatrick, Cabinet Member for Housing on Wealden District Council. “Recent reviews have identified strong levels of customer satisfaction and I am sure by partnership working with Eastbourne Borough Council we will be able to build on this further while at the same time achieving the necessary economies of scale.”
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing Councillor Chris Williams said, “This is a fantastic example of two Local Authorities working in partnership to improve upon the way services are provided. The merger provides a sustainable and exciting future for these important customer focused services. Lifeline is a very valued service and we know that its high standards of customer care will be at the heart of this new Company.”
