Member Article

Council partnership secures hundreds of jobs

North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet have confirmed the preferred bidders for two lots of council services, securing hundreds of jobs.

Balfour Beatty has been selected as partner for the ‘business’ package, which incorporates finance, procurement, revenues and benefits, ICT, customers services and human resources.

Capita Symonds will take the second ‘technical’ package, incorporating property services, planning, engineering services, consumer protection and environmental health services.

The decision is subject to contractual and legal processes set down by European procurement guidelines, and requires a ten working day ‘standstill’ period before contracts are formally signed.

The moves, designed to contribute towards the council’s £47m efficiencies target, will mean a TUPE transfer of 755 staff to the providers.

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Mrs Linda Arkley said: “The partnership with external providers is the best solution for the council, its taxpayers, its staff and the borough.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the bidders for their high quality bids and their commitment to work with us to achieve the best solution for North Tyneside.

“The partnership options we have selected are by far the most advantageous for North Tyneside. They will enable the council to invest in services, safeguard employee jobs and deliver further growth and investment for the borough, as well as achieve the stringent efficient targets we have set.”

The contract is for an initial term of ten years, with an extension for a further five years, provided the partnership continues to deliver value for money and improved performance.

Further jobs could result from the partnership, along with possible benefits for local businesses as the private sector partners will be more flexible in procuring local providers.

Terry Woodhouse, Managing Director, Balfour Beatty Living Places said: “Balfour Beatty is delighted to have been awarded the Business Services partnership for North Tyneside Council. We are dedicated and focused on delivering effective, efficient, sustainable and customer focused services in an environment committed to flexible delivery, innovation and staff development.”

Graham Cowley, Chief Operating Officer, Capita Symonds, added: “We look forward to working with the council over the next 15 years to deliver real value and improved services to North Tyneside communities. Our partnership presents us with exciting opportunities for development, growth and job creation in the region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .