06.06.16
Shared services are now ‘standard practice’ – LGA
Shared services are now ‘standard practice’, the LGA has said, as its updated shared services map shows their growth.
The new map shows that the majority of local authorities share services in areas including business support, children and young people’s services and environmental protection.
Examples of shared services included youth offenders’ services being shared between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, internal audit services being shared between Rotherham and Doncaster at a saving of £210,000, and a full shared services partnership between Forest Heath district council and St Edmundsbury borough council with £10.5m savings.
Cllr David Simmonds, chair of the LGA’s improvement and innovation board, said: “This latest shared services map confirms that councils are working together to successfully save money.
“Shared services are no longer just the realm of the most innovative councils but rather standard practice for councils to improve services, increase resilience and save money in times of significant change, cementing councils’ reputation as the most efficient part of the public sector.”
Cllr Simmonds wrote for the latest edition of PSE on the future of shared services. LGA research last year suggested that councils have saved nearly £500m since 2012 through shared services.
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