The ambitious Shape Mendip project, one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by Mendip District Council, has been praised for its success. Started in the summer of 2011, the scheme has brought a wide range of public services providers together on to one site, a ‘hub’ at the centre of the Mendip district, to improve service delivery for local residents. At the same time, by improving, refurbishing and rationalising its Cannards Grave Road offices, the council has been able to generate much needed additional income streams by renting out its office space to those partners that have joined them on site. Full story: Read more
New shared legal services partnership launched in Somerset
This week sees the launch of a new tri-district shared legal services partnership which aims to streamline and improve the service offered to customers while also making vital efficiency savings. The creation of Shape Partnership Services – Law & Governance is the result of Mendip District Council teaming up with Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) and West Somerset Council (WSC) to provide one shared legal service across the three authorities. The new tri-council partnership will deliver immediate savings of between 10% -15% to TDBC and 15% to WSC, while Mendip aims to make 14% savings within the first five years of the project. Full story: Read more