Launch of councils’ Shared ICT Services

(Date of issue: 1 April 2010)

Allerdale Borough Council and Carlisle City Council have today (1 April) launched a shared information and communication technology (ICT) service – ictCONNECT – designed to save money which can be used to support front-line services.

The two councils have joined forces to avoid duplicating costly operating procedures and share the knowledge and expertise of their ICT staff to bring increased benefits to residents and visitors to Allerdale and Carlisle.

The new service, named ictCONNECT, is a partnership approach to the management and provision of all ICT services across both councils.

Stephen Kirkpatrick, the shared ICT Services Manager, said:

“We are very pleased that we are able to move forward in partnership and offer an even more efficient service to residents and visitors through our telephone systems and websites. Members of the public should find no difference in their interaction with their council but may be pleased to know that, behind the scenes, they are getting the best possible value for money.”

Anyone requiring further information on the new shared service should contact ictCONNECT by sending an email to info@ictconnect.com, by calling 01900 702702 or by visiting the website at www.ictconnect.com.

Councillor Chris Garrard, Allerdale Borough Council’s Executive member with responsibility for ICT, said:

“We are also pleased that the implementation of the shared ICT service has blazed a trail for partnership working in Cumbria in accordance with directives requested by Central Government and will be an example for others to follow, both within our Councils and across the wider public sector.”

Maggie Mooney, Carlisle City Council’s Chief Executive, said

“As a local authority we have to make sure that we are providing services that meet the needs of all our local communities, ICT is a major support area providing our staff with the many systems and functions to operate our services. As a shared service, we know that these will be provided efficiently and effectively.”

People can contact Allerdale Borough Council on 01900 702702, during office hours, or email: enquiries@allerdale.gov.uk

Payments can be made through the Council’s automated payments line, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 01900 702666.

The Allerdale Borough Council website (www.allerdale.gov.uk) also makes it easy for people to do business with the Council outside of office hours, for example searching for planning applications, finding their nearest local facilities such as libraries and using online forms to report a problem like fly tipping anonymously.

Carlisle City Council can be contacted on 01228 817000 or via email: customerservices@carlisle.gov.uk

There is also more information and interactive services, included on the Carlisle City Council’s website: www.carlisle.gov.uk such as online planning applications, council tax payments, electoral registration, housing grants and pest control as well as information about up and coming events and Carlisle City Council news.

Payments can also be made through the Council’s automated payments line, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 01228 817486.