Capita has worked with local government for over 25 years and is a leader in helping local authorities to deliver efficient, flexible public services for citizens and communities. Our breadth of expertise helps them respond to increased demand for quality, individually tailored services while ensuring that these are delivered cost effectively.

Size of opportunity
Of the 468 UK local authorities,only 30 have entered into major outsourcing partnerships. Capita delivers services and support to the majority of local authorities; we have created wide-ranging strategic partnerships with 10 of them and there is a steady flow of opportunities to create more.

Encouraged by central government initiatives, there are also growing opportunities to establish shared service infrastructures capable of bringing together public services in a more co-ordinated approach to match each community’s needs.

The trend for outsourcing looks set to continue as local authorities have been under fiscal pressure for some time and will remain so, regardless of which party is in power after the 2010 UK General Election.

Drivers for outsourcing include:

• Pressure to deliver value for money services against a backdrop of increased service demand and reduced revenues
• Local revenues reduced by falling incomes from local tax collections and fewer planning applications and parking fees
• Constraints on funding from central government
• Pressure for personalisation and regard for individual needs as service delivery becomes more sophisticated, without reducing efficiency
• Changing roles – local authorities have mainly been deliverers of services; now they are increasingly commissioners of services to meet current and future demands.