Executive boosts public sector joint-working drive with £4.5m

A scheme to support public sector joint working, promote best
practice and improve the skills of council staff has been
launched.

Backed by £4.5m of Scottish executive money over three years
and funds from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the
Local Government Improvement Service aims to match this figure
through efficiency gains and other revenue streams.

Service chief executive Colin Mair said streamlining procurement of
residential care for children and adults would be considered.

“We pay a lot for this but the availability is not always there
when it is needed while there is little security for service
providers,” he said.

“One of the options being looked at is for more collaboration
around procurement on a regional and national basis and there could
be significant potential for savings.”