Tri-Council project showcased at national event

Shropshire Council showcased the new Tri-Council Project at the annual County Council Network (CCN) conference earlier this week (Monday 19 November 2012) in Staffordshire.

The CCN is an all-party councillor led network that makes representations and seeks opportunities to influence the development and implementation of Government policies.  It also provides councils with the opportunity to share best practice and ideas.

At this year’s conference the leaders of Shropshire Council, Worcestershire County Council and Staffordshire County Council presented to councils across the country the Tri-Council Project, which was launched earlier in the Summer 2011.

The three councils joined forces to find innovative ways of working that save money and protect frontline services. Something they plan to achieve by combining their buying power and sharing best practice.

The areas already identified, which were explained in more detail at the conference are: economic growth and connectivity (including broadband); adoption; education services to schools; IT; and contract management and procurement. There are also further emerging projects that are being considered. They are also keen to progress developments with other organisations, as this collaborative working is not exclusive to the three councils.

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“This offered us a great opportunity to share with other local authorities the potential this project provides to achieve savings whilst protecting frontline services.

“We also want to extend the invitation for other authorities to join the partnership as combining our buying power could create economies of scale to rival many multinational companies and could drive down the costs of goods and services, potentially giving residents even greater value for money.”

The Tri-Council Project aims to complement and strengthen the existing transformation programmes taking place at each council, as well as looking at joint procurement and shared commissioning in a number of areas.

For more information on the Tri-Council project click here.