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Southampton City Council has given approval to final negotiations with Capita to become the council`s Strategic Service Partner (SSP). Capita will work with the council to provide improved services to its customers while reducing costs.

The decision was made at last night`s full council meeting, with two thirds of councillors voting for the negotiations with Capita, Britain`s largest and most experienced company in this field, to proceed.

The partnership (SSP) will deliver a range of council services, including Customer Services, IT, Property Services, HR, Payroll, Revenues and Benefits, and Procurement. This will include the development of a brand new contact centre and an improved `one stop shop`, which together will become the first point of contact for all council services.

Councillors will make the final decision on whether to go ahead with the partnership in July 2007. The contract is then expected to commence in October. At this point around 600 council employees will transfer to Capita with protected terms and conditions under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE). Staff members will remain within the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Councillor Adrian Vinson, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: "This partnership promises to give the people of Southampton the best possible customer service at the best possible value for money.

"Capita has a proven track record in working alongside local authorities to provide excellent services for local residents and businesses. We will now continue our negotiations with them to ensure our citizens and staff get the very best deal out of this partnership."

Paul Pindar, Chief Executive of Capita, said: "We look forward to working with the council to ensure that the local community truly benefits from this partnership. Our extensive experience of transforming public services combined with the council employees` expert knowledge of the city will provide a solid platform to deliver enhanced services. Our role in supporting local government continues to grow strongly."

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Issued By:
Claire Port, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 023 8083 3910
Fax: 023 8023 4537
Email : claire.port@southampton.gov.uk