Councils look to expand shared services venture

Dec 19 2008 4:38PM

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A shared services venture between Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire county councils looks set to expand further with news that eight other authorities are interested in joining.

The two founding bodies have already been joined by Slough borough council and the three are confident they can provide the back-office services needed by other authorities, reports the Local Government Chronicle.

Speaking to the news provider, Stephen Moir, head of people and policy at Cambridgeshire county council, said: "There would be capacity issues if we tried to take on too many customers but we are confident that with the hardware we have, we can take on up to eight local authorities."

The fact the shared services agreement encompasses two county councils and a unitary means they can provide all the support needed, he added.

A private sector partner for the deal will be sought in the new year.

Last week, it was revealed that Steria has secured a contract to supply Hinckley and Bosworth and Oadby and Wigston borough councils with IT services.