Barnet council to embark on improving services

Barnet Council is set to embark on a joint venture with Capita’s property and infrastructure business, that will see the local authority with savings of up to £139 million based on a £154 million contract.

The project is aimed at revitalising the development and regulatory services in the borough, with a number of government offices set to see a major overhaul.

These include Building Control, Land charges, Planning (Development Management), Strategic Planning and Regeneration, Highways Services, Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing and Cemetery and Crematorium services to the borough.

Capita will provide training to staff working in these back office jobs, as well as an investment of £8.2 million, which will largely be ploughed into new technology.

The council will oversee the project, with key responsibilities including making sure that the venture enhances the overall environment of Barnet and that as many residents as possible benefit.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, leader of Barnet Council, said: "This is very good news for the Barnet taxpayer and users of these services.

"We believe that the combination of our public sector skills and the entrepreneurship of the private sector can lead to a growing Barnet based business."

He added that the savings made from the contract will be invested straight back into other frontline services, allowing all people living in the borough to benefit.

Capita has committed to keeping the day-to-day running of the services based in Barnet with the same staffing levels.

Proposed changes will be put to the council's cabinet at a meeting due to take place on June 24th.

Barnet is home to two of London’s major regeneration sites - Colindale and the Metropolitan Police College site - and it is anticipated the new joint venture could have a major impact on how they are used in the future.

Posted by Andy Britten

Published 23rd May, 2013

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