Islington And Camden Councils Merging IT To Save “Precious” Cash

Islington and Camden Councils have unveiled proposals today to merge their ICT services by April 2016 to save £4 million a year.

The councils, who employ more than 300 ICT staff between them, currently spend around £25 million a year on ICT revenue and capital funding for development projects.

But by consolidating the departments, both councils look to save £2 million each annually on ICT costs.

£185m saving target

Overall, the two councils are looking to have to save up to £185 million between them by 2018/19 as a result of further deep government cuts.

Islington Council’s executive member for finance and performance, Cllr Andy Hull, said: “Islington and Camden are coming together to harness digital technology so that we can deliver services in a way that both suits local people and saves us precious money at a time when the government continues to cut inner-city councils to the bone.

“It’s a good example of how, in the face of unprecedented challenges, we are innovating and coming up with genuinely transformative solutions.”

If the plan is approved, the costs and savings of the project will be shared equally between the two boroughs, which both have a history of collaboration and already share their public health and internal audit services.

“In the future, the joint service may also be able to generate income for both councils through selling its combined expertise,” said Camden Council’s cabinet member for finance and technology, Cllr Theo Blackwell.

The decision on whether to proceed with the proposals will be made by the Cabinet at Camden Council on 9 September and by the Executive at Islington Council on 24 September.

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