Councils to share lawyers in cost-cutting move (From Harrow Times)

Harrow and Barnet Councils to share lawyers in cost-cutting move

1:57pm Wednesday 8th August 2012 in News By David Hardiman, Reporter

Harrow and Barnet Councils are to merge their legal teams next month in a bid to save nearly £5million per year.

Lawyers from Barnet will move to a service hosted by Harrow on September 2 and will gradually work to take on cases for both councils under the scheme, which will result in no job losses.

The councils believe the move will save them £4.4m a year by hiring fewer external lawyers and reducing office space, with creating an in-house service with more expertise in local government law.

Harrow’s portfolio holder for performance, Councillor Graham Henson, said: “To protect the front-line services our residents rely on, we are continually looking at options to reduce our back office costs and find savings that have no impact on residents.

“By linking our legal services with Barnet in an innovative partnership we will be able to deliver savings whilst increasing the range of legal expertise both councils can provide.”

Nick Walkley, chief executive of Barnet Council, added: “This innovative move will bring real benefits to both councils, not only financially but through sharing our expertise and examples of best practice.”