Friday 14th June, 2013

Barnet Council's New Support and Customer Service Organisation (NSCSO) contract has been delayed until a final judgement on the appeal is reached. The appeal against a High Court decision not to grant a judicial review into the Council's outsourcing plans is to be heard at the beginning of October.

The appeal date is currently set for 7th and 8th October 2013, but the council declined to comment on the news, adding that the date is 'provisional'. Maria Nash, a disabled Barnet resident lodged an appeal after her application for a judicial review into Barnet Council's decision to outsource a wide range of services was turned down in April.

In November last year Capita was selected as preferred bidder for Barnet Council’s £320m outsourcing contract but the judiciary has delayed the contract being signed so far. According to the council, the contract will provide Capita with 11% of the council's spending. The outsourcing company would then deliver improved IT and telephone support to improve council back office services.