The number of shared services doubled between 2004 and 2008, and is set to expand still further, the PPMA conference heard. Whereas 20% of councils in 2004 operated shared services, the figure at the end of this year would be 40% – and rising, consultant, Ray Tomkinson, told delegates. But, he warned a recent survey found that 38% of councils said staff fear of change was the biggest hurdle to shared services, followed by lack of political synergies. Shared service spending in the UK public sector is forecast to hit some £63bn in 2012, compared with £155m in 2007. Savings were all across most services such as waste (Macclesfield/Congleton BCs), revenues and benefits (Anglia Revenues Partnership), procurement (Pan-London Contract Team) and housing (East London Lettings Consortium).
