Councils link up their IT services

THREE North Yorkshire councils which have teamed up to reduce bureaucracy and cut bills to hard-pressed charge payers have measures in place to achieve big savings in computing costs.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Oct 2010, 12:31 BST

Updated 11th Oct 2010, 12:31 BST

Craven Council and Selby Council have agreed in principle to share their resources to deliver IT support and to help to improve planning services, as part of an innovative deal which also involves Harrogate Council.

They have signed up to a framework for the three authorities to work in close partnership to deliver some services. The aim is to drive improvement and achieve savings.

One of the first stages will be the development of a shared IT resource, to support the computer networks of both Craven and Selby district councils.

Both authorities are gearing up to move offices and are also short of key staff.

IT staff will be split over two sites in Skipton and Selby.

Craven Council leader Chris Knowles-Fitton said: "This is a logical way for us to work with Selby to get the IT capability and level of service that we need."

Also, both authorities planning teams will now work under one boss.

North Yorkshire