Swansea Council has finalised a controversial deal that will initiate the largest local government outsourcing programme in Wales.
The authority this week exchanged contracts with private firm Capgemini on the £64 million first phase of a 10-year e-government deal.
The council claims that the deal will improve its performance overall and generate up to £26m in efficiency savings.
Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: "The people of Swansea deserve the best services and value for money from their council.
"We know that customers and council staff are often frustrated by the bureaucracy and out-dated ICT systems which actually cost the Council both time and money.
"The first phase of our eGovernment programme will transform the Council by introducing new and efficient ICT systems and modern working practices."
However, the initiative has sparked controversy among council employees, who have had their jobs transferred to Capgemini under the deal.
Already, 62 local authority staff have transferred to Capgemini to help set up the new ICT system.
The Council said it was currently discussing options for the second phase of the deal, known as Service@swansea, which will improve customer access to services.
This will create a call centre and face-to-face contact centre to handle customer inquires, extend the Council's opening hours and increase services available on the internet.
Quelle: eGov monitor, 25.01.2006
