New year - new shared services!
11 January 2012
New shared library services for Bexley and Bromley came into place this month - three months earlier than initially planned.
The change to services has been such a smooth transition that the two Councils were able to start working together much sooner than was initially anticipated.
Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Teresa O'Neill said; "It is a mark of the success of the project, that has used the wealth of experience and knowledge of officers from both Councils, that has made this early start possible. I would like to thank everyone who worked on the project and all the staff that have been affected by the changes for their patience and involvement along the way. I am looking forward to working together with our Bromley colleagues."
"Shared services give us the opportunity to make necessary savings during this unprecedented time of financial constraints, while continuing to provide efficient services to residents. We are utilising skills and knowledge from services in Bromley and Bexley to benefit both authorities. We look forward to working more closely with our neighbours in Bexley" said Councillor Stephen Carr, Leader of Bromley Council.
The merger will streamline the back office function and minimise the requirement for changes to front line library service across both boroughs.
Bexley's changes to its library service form part of the Council's Strategy 2014 programme that reflects the need for the Council to save £35 million over the next three years. The changes will result in savings on the running costs of Bexley's library service, supporting the Council's ambition to avoid the closure of any of the borough's branch libraries.
