Shared Legal Solutions (SLS) provided by Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead will continue for another five years, after Wokingham Borough’s decision-making executive voted to extend its contract.
SLS was set up five years ago to benefit from economies of scale between the two authorities and during that time has made significant savings, attracted additional customers including schools and other councils, and can now offer an hourly rate much lower than market levels.
In these challenging financial times local authorities nationally are turning to shared services, and Wokingham Borough already leads the way with merging services with other councils which include building control, environmental health, building services, trading standards, and internal audit.
“It makes excellent business sense to share services between councils if possible, and SLS has more than proved this,” said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for resident services.
“Putting financial benefits to the public purse, service resilience and creating better career opportunities and support for legal staff, it also has a customer satisfaction rating of more than 90 per cent.”
“By extending its contract until 31 May 2021 this successful and proven quasi-commercial service will continue to benefit the borough as well as the people and organisations that already use its services.”
SLS plans to build on its client base as well as offer additional legal services. Find out more by calling (0118) 908 8177.
