Timetable revealed for sharing services

Bromsgrove District Council’s money-saving project gathers momentum as the timetable for sharing services with Redditch Borough Council is revealed.

At this week’s Cabinet meeting Members are set to receive and note the June minutes of the Shared Services Board, which approved the timetable setting out which areas will be reviewed – and when.

In 2008 Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils began sharing operational services, while retaining local political independence and accountability, to manage impending budget cuts.

Already both Councils share a Chief Executive, Kevin Dicks, and have employed a single senior management team to implement and oversee Shared Services in six service areas. These include, ICT, CCTV / Lifeline, Elections, Community Safety, Procurement, Climate Change and Payroll.

The latest Shared Services and Business Transformation timetable will see all services including waste, benefits and housing being reviewed.

Some teams have been earmarked for transformation, which will look at using best practice from both Councils to deliver more efficient services for our customers. Transformation will run concurrently with Shared Services and all teams will eventually go through the process. Shared services will see restructuring of teams to create one service unit to deliver across both authorities.

Staff will play a big part in influencing any changes by helping to identify unnecessary waste and bureaucracy as part of the process, which kicks off in September and runs for the next three years.

Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for Resources Cllr Geoff Denaro said: “I must reiterate that Shared Services is not about political merger but making sure that services provided are high quality, cost effective and responsive to customer needs.

“This Council began its shared services journey two years ago which proved to be timely and insightful with the present calls on local authorities to save money.

“One suggested way to help reduce the national deficit we find ourselves in, is through appointing Joint Chief Executives – which we have already done.

“And we have already put the background work in with consultants Serco to identify which services we can share to make savings – but also create efficient services for our customers.

“Up until now the Shared Services Board papers have been on private papers because of the issues relating to personal financial information, individuals and their jobs. But I am delighted, now all staff have been informed, to be able to share the Council’s progress with you.”

The Audit Commission, an independent organisation, has studied how Shared Services between Redditch and Bromsgrove Councils has progressed so far. They have reported that good progress is being made and made some useful recommendations, which have already been addressed.

Cllr Denaro added: “It’s not about creating a Bromsditch or a Redgrove – our customers will still enjoy local services which reflect their local needs.

“Geographically it makes sense for some services – like waste and recycling collection rounds in Bromsgrove that are nearer to a Redditch depot should operate from there. It saves money on fuel and helps the environment.

“These forward-thinking moves will help us make significant savings when the time comes to finalise our budget for the year ahead at a time when many public services face the axe because of the mishandling of this country’s finances by the previous administration.”

Last week Redditch Borough Council’s Executive Committee rubber stamped the Shared Services Board Recommendations. The board is made up of four members from each Council.