Northgate deal saves councils money

VAR procures council IT contract worth £5.9m

Resource squeeze: Local councils launched joint IT procurement strategy to save money

VAR Northgate Public Services has clinched an IT support contract with a conglomerate of local councils based in the Midlands.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, High Peak Borough Council and Lichfield District Council have signed a joint IT procurement contract with Northgate worth £5.9m over seven years.

The joint procurement strategy was embarked upon to help save all three councils money.

Rita Wilson, strategic director of organisational development at Lichfield District Council, explained: "Joining forces with three other organisations will allow us to make significant savings, and we’re looking forward to developing a strong partnership."

Joe Bradley, managing director of Northgate Public Services, said: "Now more than ever, public services have to develop innovative models of work such as this programme.

"Our Staffordshire and Derbyshire partners will benefit from performance improvement and economies of scale."