Transformation Award success

Stratford-on-Avon District Council together with neighbouring Councils has successfully been awarded a further cash grant of £775,000 in recognition of the on-going efforts to minimise expenditure through the continual review of shared services.

Last week, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) awarded £300,000 to support the implementation of the three way financial management system for Stratford, Cherwell and South Northants District Councils and a further £475,000 for a four way harmonised land and property EDMS systems development for the three Councils and South Staffordshire District Council.

The 'Transformation Challenge Award' was set up to recognise councils who have successfully remained at the cutting edge of service transformation while still achieving efficiency savings.

The money is intended to help kick-start projects with the initial costs required to get them up and running and paves the way for further support for local authorities tasked with radically changing service delivery and achieving better for less. The winners of the award are intended to provide examples of 'best practice' to other councils regarding innovation and savings.

Cllr Stephen Thirlwell, Deputy Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “This is another success for Stratford and partners with our efforts being further recognised and endorsed through the Transformation Challenge Award. This funding will enable all the Councils to create an innovative and effective ICT solution that will increase efficiency and support existing and emerging shared services arrangements.

“The District Council remains committed to exploring the opportunities presented by joint working and despite the obvious challenges of operating across different county and regional boundaries, this has not prevented the four authorities working together where possible to ensure public services are protected and best practice is shared."