Hambleton and Richmondshire District Council's 'shared
services' programme kicked off in 2008.
So far it has brought in savings of almost £1million - a figure
expected to rise to £1.9miliion by 2013/14.
The project begain when Richmondshire approached Hambleton to
request some temporary Chief Executive support following changes to
its management team.
The following 12 months saw both Councils explore in detail the
scope for sharing management and services on a more permanent
basis. This was driven by both Councils - both facing challenging
efficiency targets and seeking ways to release resources to
initially keep with budget limits with possible future
re-investment into corporate priority areas.
They were also looking for opportunities to improve service
delivery and particularly our customers' experiences of them.
The programme has involved a review of every service across both
councils and where it is appropriate, sharing will not be
restricted to just the two councils. Business cases were developed
for area of the Council's work showing possible savings - decisions
on the way forward then being taken by councillors.
Business cases have now been approved for management; business
support; community safety; communications; customer services;
deomcratic services; economic development; environmental health;
finance; housing; human resources; ICT; landscaping; legal;
performance and partnerships; planning; planning policy;
procurement; revenues and benefits; and waste.
Review
An in depth review of the programme takes place over the next
few months
The two authorities will look to identify the strong and weak
points of the project - and agree on the way forward.
They will consult with officers, members, union leaders and key
stakeholders - including partner organisations, parish councils and
businesses.
As part of the original decision to follow the shared services
road, councillors from both authorities committed to a review at
about this time.
"This review will provide each council with an opportunity to
evaluate how the shared services programme is working," said Chief
Executive of both councils, Peter Simpson.
"Given the current financial pressures we need to look at how to
move forward, what is working well and not so well, and possible
future shared working with other organisations."
Members of both Hambleton's Cabinet and Richmondshire's Strategy
Board have given the go ahead for the review. They will receive a
report this summer.
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