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Glasgow City Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to set up a joint venture company, after signing a £265m deal with Serco. The council and the contractor will both have equal shares in the limited liability partnership. It will provide joined-up and cost-efficient delivery of property and information services. Duncan Mackison has been appointed as chief executive of the new partnership, and he is relocating back to Glasgow, where he went to school and spent time serving as a Royal Marine. ‘Glasgow is leading the way, creating a new partnership between the public and the private sector to deliver services and improvements,' said Mr Mackison. ‘And, I am looking forward to ensuring this innovative organisation delivers for the people of Scotland's biggest city.' The partnership will introduce community hubs, which will give residents fast and easy access to council services. The hubs will be spread across the community, reducing the council's city centre office space by 35%. There will also be more flexible working, hot-desking and home working. In addition, council staff will be able to choose to either transfer to the new partnership or continue to be employed by the local authority, while being seconded. ‘For Serco, this is a long-term commitment to the city of Glasgow,' said Serco Solutions chief executive, Kevin Lavery. ‘We will support and develop all employees who are part of this new partnership. We are looking forward to making a difference to Glasgow's citizens, communities and businesses.' Glasgow City Council chief executive, George Black, said: ‘This radical new partnership will ensure our customers have easier access to the services they rely on, and help our staff to deliver those services.'

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BUSINESS

Glasgow's £265m Serco deal is a 'first' for Scots authority

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