London borough strikes deal with neighbours to share combined digital service
The London Borough of Haringey is set to turn a two-way partnership into a trio with a move to join the shared ICT service being set up between nearby Islington and Camden.
The measure is set to go to its cabinet for approval on 15 March, laying the ground for a change programme that would involve shared costs and savings between the three.
Islington's executive is set to vote on the move on 10 March and Camden's cabinet will follow on 6 April.
Under the proposals, a joint committee made up of representatives from all three councils will meet in public to oversee the service and a single post will be created to lead and manage it. If all councils agree the move, a head of service will be recruited in late spring.
A launch date for the shared service has been set, pending agreement, at 1 October 2016.
Collaboration history
Camden's cabinet member for finance and technology, Theo Blackwell, said: “We already have a long history of successful collaboration with Islington and all three authorities share similar objectives, so it makes perfect sense to come together.
“A great deal of work has already gone into creating the shared service, and we’re delighted that Haringey has recognised the potential for significantly improving service whilst delivering the budget reductions needed as a result of government cuts.
“In the future, the joint service may also be able to generate income for all three councils through selling its combined expertise.”
Islington and Camden agreed to share ICT services in September last year, and have begun an 18 month transition with the aim of saving up to £4 million a year once fully operational. Haringey's proposal to join has increased the projected savings to £6 million.
The partnership joins others of its kind among London boroughs, including a three-way ICT arrangement between Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
Picture by Lucas, public domain through Wikimedia Commons
