Staffordshire and Capita sign three-year procurement deal

Staffordshire County Council has joined forces with outsourcing giant Capita in a procurement and purchasing partnership expected to save the authority £18.5m over three years.

Capita’s employees will work with the county council’s procurement team in identifying savings and securing better deals while the company is paid on a shared results basis.

A key objective of the partnership is exploring how the council’s purchasing power can stimulate the local economy by using more local suppliers to provide goods and services.

Ian Parry, deputy leader of Staffordshire, said: ‘This innovative approach brings in private sector expertise to help us save money. As the cost will be covered by savings found, it is a win-win situation with no expense falling on taxpayers.

‘We spend around £525m every year buying goods and services and I want to make sure we are getting the maximum value for our money. We are confident that a more commercial, streamlined approach will deliver multi-million pound savings.

‘Where possible we will work with local suppliers and business to help stimulate the local economy and protect jobs in Staffordshire.’

Ben Eggleston, head of local government at Capita’s consulting business, said: ‘This partnership will deliver real benefits to Staffordshire’s residents by ensuring every pound spent on goods and services makes the biggest possible impact on their lives.’