25/09/2008 Steria contract signing

On Tuesday 30 September 2008, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Steria will sign the partnership contract for Steria to take over management of some of the council’s support services network for the next twelve years.

From 2009, Steria will be responsible for the provision of IT, council tax and benefits, the customer contact centre, reception and switchboard services which will save the council £500,000 each year of the contract.

Steria will also develop a centre of excellence in Welwyn Hatfield to manage the services and confirmed there will be no job losses. They will also use Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council services as a base to provide similar services to other authorities in Hertfordshire and beyond.

The partnership was approved by cabinet in August and will come into effect from 1 January 2009.

Leader of the Council, Councillor John Dean said: “The council’s key aim is to deliver high quality, value for money services. Steria already work with several other local authorities, so they are aware of the sector and the specific needs of a borough council. The current excellent quality of services provided by the council in these areas will not be compromised in any way.“

Director of Public Authorities Group at Steria, Paul Sellick said: “We are delighted to be working with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and believe that our partnership will result in a significant improvement in the way in which the council interacts with and supports the local community.”