Joint working saves £1m

CHANNEL 4 newscaster Jon Snow will reveal if North East and North Lincolnshire councils have won a prestigious MJ Achievement Award at London’s Park Lane Hilton on June 26.

Almost 450 entries were submitted to this year’s MJ Achievement Awards. And the two councils have made it to the final six entrants in the Best Use of Resources category for their joint strategic procurement unit entry.

North East and North Lincolnshire councils formed a joint strategic procurement unit in April 2006. Within the first 18 months of the ground-breaking shared services structure the new unit achieved around £1m in savings.

By joining forces, the joint strategic procurement unit reduces duplication of work. The two councils can generate better value from existing resources and generate efficiencies through economies of scale.

The unit uses innovative procurement methods such as electronic auctions – this alone saved almost 50 per cent of the usual spend on IT equipment. And the unit has already been recognised by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Centre of Excellence for Procurement as a regional showcase.

Councillor Tony McCabe, portfolio holder for finance and performance at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Congratulations to the joint strategic procurement unit on reaching the finals of this prestigious award. The savings made by the two authorities working together speak for themselves and are a credit to all involved. Here's hoping we bring home the award on the night."

Councillor Steve Swift, Cabinet Member for Corporate Affairs at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The joint strategic procurement unit between ourselves and North East Lincolnshire Council is reaping the benefits of working together. Not only does it reduce duplication of work but it is also delivering significant savings for council taxpayers. And this can then be ploughed back into front-line council services. For the unit to reach the final six in a national awards event is a massive achievement and I’d like to congratulate them for all of the hard work they have put in.”