The biggest shake-up at Teignbridge Council since 1974 will result in improved services and savings of £140,000 a year, its leaders have claimed. Up to 20 top staff have been told their posts are 'at risk' as the authority seeks to 'streamline' and insist that its officers demonstrate 'vision and accountability'. Out will go the two directors' posts, the most senior roles after the chief executive, as will 13 other heads of services and other posts. In will come fewer posts for which existing staff will have to compete. Salaries will depend on the 'breadth' of responsibilities and post holders will have to undergo regular performance evaluation reviews to make sure they're still up to the job. Those unsuccessful at landing one of the new posts will be offered other jobs with their conditions protected for two years or they could possibly take early retirement. With cross-party support for the move and the unions 'totally' involved there is expected to be little resistance when discussed at the full council on Monday. Leader of the council, Cllr Alan Connett, said he had been aware for some that the council's administration had 'not been in the best shape' and that the appointment of the new chief executive, Nicola Bulbeck, earlier this year, presented the opportunity to change. 'In the past we've not capitalised on some of the good talent we've had,' he said, and rued the fact that some valued staff had left. He denied that informing staff of potential job losses so close to Christmas was insensitive and claimed that while there was 'bound to be some nervousness and anxiety' those factors were 'more than outweighed by the opportunities'. Miss Bulbeck said: 'The prime driver [of the change] is to create headroom for talent within the council. We've got calibre.' She said the new arrangements would mean taxpayers could expect 'clear and unequivocal accountability' from officers should problems arise. Cllr Ray Frost, the deputy leader, said it was time to put an end to the situation in which people felt that jobs 'belonged' to them and Cllr Stuart Barker, leader of the Conservative grouping, said staff had to 'come out of the comfort zone and into people thinking'. If approved, the new regime will take effect on January 1.