Local Government can make shared services more a reality than a vision, says Capita Report.

Published: 08/10/2007

Shared services in local government is still more a vision than a reality according to a new white paper from Capita launched today. The paper discusses the definition of shared services, how it works within local government and what it delivers, drawing on Capita’s experience of delivering services in partnership with local authorities and other public and private sector partners. It considers how shared services can make the difference to local government with improved performance as well as savings.

The white paper focuses on ‘community leadership and ‘place shaping’ and how local government leaders, politicians and managers across the UK could provide the leadership needed to transform their communities. John Tizard, group director of government and business engagement at Capita comments: ‘The development of shared services provides the opportunity for local authorities to combine their unique community leadership role with their duty of stewardship of public finances. It can be central to the wider policy agenda and should not be seen simply as part of the efficiency agenda.’

The next few years will be dominated by tight financial constraints in local government as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review.  The report discusses how under these conditions local authorities can achieve more for less to secure value for money services and find more effective ways to use their resources.

Martin Hinckley, Assistant Director Revenues and Benefits, Westminster City Council adds: ‘Our revenue and benefits services and customer contact centre support are delivered from Capita’s shared service centres in Coventry, Carlisle, Bromley and Erith. We chose the shared service approach to improve customer service, gain investment and become more cost efficient. The results have been very encouraging with improvements in service quality, efficiency and effectiveness.’

A shared service approach can produce economies of scale but it requires a reorganisation of the way business processes are structured. Local government has demonstrated both the will and ability to rise to this challenge. There are already a number of local, regional and national initiatives which are capable of turning the shared service vision into a practical reality.

Copies of the White Paper are available from Capita on 0870 163 1800 or email lg.enquiries@capita.co.uk

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