Wednesday 6th February, 2013

In November last year Capita was selected as preferred bidder for Barnet Council’s £320m outsourcing contract, to provide a new support and customer service organisation (NSCSO). A trial of the offering, an "easyCouncil" no-frills model to local services is planned to go live in the spring.

Since then a judicial review at the Royal Courts of Justice is underway looking at the legality of the contract, which has delayed the signing process. The case is being brought by a disabled pensioner who says she fears for her life if support services are removed if and when the private outsourcing firm, Capita, takes over.

As quoted in the Guardian, The Councillor Dan Thomas, cabinet member for resources, said: "I am delighted the court have fast-tracked this process and given us the earliest possible hearing date."

He added "The new support and customer service organisation contract will save the taxpayer £1m a month. Barnet Council is keen that we start to make these savings as quickly as possible."