Job losses expected as councils consider IT merger

Camden and Islington councils have announced plans to share their IT networks in a bid to save £4 million a year.

Camden Council said there are likely to be job losses equivalent to 50 full-time posts across the two authorities.

These reductions will be at all levels, including management and supervisory roles.

The north London neighbouring local authorities say if the plans are approved, they will establish a “groundbreaking” shared ICT network by April 2016.

They have blamed government spending cuts.

The two local authorities currently employ over 300 ICT staff between them, and the costs and savings of the project will be shared equally between both councils.

Camden Council’s cabinet member for finance, Theo Blackwell, said: “Both councils have a long history of collaboration and share similar objectives, so it makes perfect sense to come together to provide an improved service at a lower cost.

“In the future, the joint service may also be able to generate income for both councils by selling its combined expertise.”

The decision on whether to proceed with the plans will be made in a cabinet meeting at Camden Council tomorrow, and if approved, will go before Islington Council on September 24.

The councils say the plan will eventually save them £4 million of the £185 million they need to save between them by 2019 due to government cuts.