Councils unite to benefit Norfolk and Suffolk residents

South Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney Councils are launching a dynamic new partnership, creating a ‘super’ Revenues & Benefits service, which will give some of the most vulnerable people in Norfolk and Suffolk faster and easier access to their services.

The three Councils are joining forces in a determined bid to improve services for the local population and cut costs. The partnership makes sound business sense for the three councils, who share the same computer systems, and can now share services.

Ultimately, residents in the three areas will be able to visit council buildings far closer to where they actually live. This will save both time and money and removes a lot of hassle for people who are trying to spend as much time as possible looking for work or education and training.

Councillor Sue Lawley of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, explains:

"The development of this exciting new partnership is designed to achieve ongoing service excellence for the benefit of all our customers. We are all adopting the same software solution used to deliver our services. With the three authorities working together we will be able to pool staff and expertise. This will not only provide a much better service, but will also reduce costs.

Another huge benefit may come in the form of Central Government funding. As partners, we will present a formidable case and stand a much better chance of winning that funding which will then save our council tax payers money."

Councillor Trevor Lewis of South Norfolk Council adds:

"Now we can use our combined strengths to drive down operating costs and strike more competitive deals with outside agencies who provide services like essential staff training.

It's the same story whether we are buying printing, stationery, new IT systems and so on.

We have to drive up standards in our day-to-day work and this partnership will enable us to do things more efficiently and more effectively. We can't afford to stand still and we won’t. Our customers deserve the best and want us to improve.”

Councillor Bruce Provan of Waveney District Council said:

"This partnership is an exciting and progressive one and we have senior professionals in place with a shared determination to make it work. We are already making great strides across a number of fronts, training together and planning strategy together.

But while this is clearly the way forward, we will also be sure not to take its success for granted. We will be consulting our residents to see how they are benefiting, because although there are many ways to measure success, what matters most is the judgement of the people we serve."

Since August, by working together and helping each other, the Councils have already made savings totaling £16,500 but this will increase as they work together more closely.

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