Capita and Wandsworth and Richmond councils offer finance framework

Capita Local Government has been named preferred bidder for a contract to provide a joint finance managed service for the London boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond upon Thames. Capita will handle accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and implement its finance system, Integra, on behalf of the councils.

The contract, which will run for six years with an optional four year extension, will generate “considerable cost savings” for the councils, said Capita, and improve back office management, providing a more consistent service for employees.

The contract award also establishes a pan-London framework that will allow other London boroughs to procure finance and print services, and finance systems, from Capita. The framework enables other councils to use the Wandsworth and Richmond managed service solution, or a tailored version for their specific needs.

Chris Buss, director of finance at Wandsworth, said: “Capita has the experience, resources and expertise we were looking for and this new contact will deliver real value for money for local taxpayers.

“This is a good early win for our joint working arrangement with Richmond Council and will deliver a saving for both councils which helps us to protect front line services.”

Mark Chapman, business director for Capita Local Government, said: “We are expanding our managed finance services and use of our Integra solution across two new boroughs, supporting the joint working arrangements underway across Wandsworth and Richmond Councils.

“This new framework agreement means we will be working with both councils to promote this model across London – ensuring that public sector bodies can benefit from the opportunity to reduce their back office costs and improve efficiencies.”

@AntonySavvas