BT deal to aid Westminster residents

Residents in the London borough of Westminster will notice a much more responsive service from their council over the course of this year, with the implementation of new IT systems throughout the authority.

The overhaul is part of an arrangement with BT that will see the ancient computers throughout several council departments replaced with speedier models to help the public get more out of their local representatives.

Residents can be sure their money is being spent wisely as the move is expected to save around £40 million per year through sharing services with two other London boroughs - Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea.

Managers and staff will be given up-to-date technology to ensure they can carry out their duties with maximum efficiency while duplication and red tape will also be cut, saving time and frustration on the part of officials and the public alike.

Melvyn Caplan, Westminster City Council's cabinet member for Finance and Customer Services, said that the deal not only represents excellent value for money but will also mean the authority can avoid cutting funds to any of its front-line services.

"I'm confident it will lead to a more efficient service for the people our councils serve, so it really is significant beyond the world of the council office," he said.

Barbara Moorhouse, Westminster City Council's chief operating officer, added: "Our partnership with BT will allow our staff to do the best job possible by giving them the optimum tools.

"We hope that the deal we have agreed with BT will be of interest to other London boroughs and beyond."

So far, 17 councils across the UK capital have expressed an interest in adopting a similar arrangement with BT, meaning that residents across London could soon be reaping the benefit from Westminster's bold investment.

Published 8th February, 2013

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