Shared services in local government are still more a vision than a reality, according to a new report from Capita. The support services company has published a ‘white paper', which looks at the definition of shared services and Capita's experiences in partnership with various councils. The report also looks at how councils can achieve more for less under tight financial constraints imposed by the Comprehensive Spending Review. ‘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,' said Capita's group director of government and business engagement, John Tizard. ‘It can be central to the wider policy agenda and should not be seen simply as part of the efficiency agenda.' The white paper also contains case studies, including the Census Partnership led by Adur DC, Horsham DC and Mid Sussex DC, and the Dolphin Consortium led by Poole Council. Martin Hinckley, assistant director revenues and benefits at Westminster City Council, said its customer contact centre was delivered from Capita's shared service centres in Coventry, Carlisle, Bromley and Erith.
