Councils working together to reduce IT cost to taxpayer

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. Pooling resources to create a single team between the two authorities would support the development of the service while also providing more value for money.

IT staff will be split over two sites in Selby and Skipton, and use remote technology to provide IT support.

Craven Council leader Chris Knowles-Fitton said: "We are a small authority and resilience is very important. This is a logical way for us to work with Selby to get the IT capability and level of service that we need as an authority.

"A better IT function will allow us to improve services across the council whilst making significant savings at the same time."

Also, both authorities' planning teams will now work under one boss. Although sharing a senior planning officer does not offer significant financial savings, it does enable both councils to benefit from shared expertise and serve residents better.

Selby Council Leader Mark Crane, said: "The collaboration concordat with Craven and Harrogate gives us the framework to do this.

"We've identified that IT and planning are two areas in which two of the three authorities can work together more closely. Ultimately this is a way for us to develop our services, for less money."

A consultation will now be carried out with staff in both Craven and Selby district councils to look at the implications of a greater sharing of resources in IT.