Bury Council considers shared services transformation

Says government cuts have forced it to explore 'a number of collaborative opportunities'

Bury Council has published a document entitled Transforming Bury that hints at plans for mass outsourcing and service sharing in order to deal with public spending cuts.

"We will start with the assumption, that can be tested, that the council will not directly deliver services," the document says.

It hints at outsourcing by highlighting that the council will "consider a range of options for providing the services in the future" and that these include "working with partners and commissioning to secure best value".

Shared services are also being considered, where the document points to "the benefits of collaboration - primarily the ability to achieve economies of scale, and share/integrate services and/or risk".

"The council is exploring a number of collaborative opportunities that have the potential to add value and bring about sustainable benefits for Bury, including efficiencies," it says.

However, there is no indication of what services will be shared and with whom it is considering collaborating.

"This has been an extremely difficult process," said councillor Bob Bibby, leader of the council.

"We have had to make some tough decisions which will impact on both communities and staff," he added.

"We currently spend around 70 per cent of our budget on staffing costs, and we simply cannot make the level of spending reductions required without reducing staff numbers".

The consultation will run until 20 March, and if it is accepted by the executives, a four-year work programme will begin in the next financial year, according to the Guardian.