The Shared Services Joint Committee met to discuss the disaggregation of shared IT services between North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). The committee approved the disaggregation of IT services, with NNC set to fund the one-off costs and a portion of unavoidable stranded costs. They also agreed to delegate authority to the Section 151 officers¹ of both councils to finalise the cost implications.

DTI Disaggregation

The committee approved the decision to disaggregate the IT services provided by West Northamptonshire Council to North Northamptonshire Council, excluding those services provided to the Children’s Trust and those included within the business systems arrangements. NNC will fund the one-off costs of disaggregation and 75% of any stranded costs incurred directly and unavoidably as part of the disaggregation, for a maximum period of 18 months from the start of the process. The Section 151 officers of both councils will jointly agree the final cost implications, and the existing Strategic Oversight Board and Project Delivery Board will continue to oversee the exit plan.

Guy Holloway, Assistant Chief Exec, North Northamptonshire Council, presented the DTI Disaggregation report, explaining that the shared IT service was established in 2021 following local government reform. He noted that NNC has a long-standing IT strategy aimed at becoming self-sufficient by March 2027, and that the report confirms they are on track to achieve this goal. According to the report, both councils have:

• Agreed a clear set of principles for disaggregation
• Established strong joint governance through a strategic oversight board and a project delivery board
• Identified key areas for action

Mr Holloway summarised the recommendations in the report as being about planning ahead, working together, and ensuring a smooth transition that supports modern, efficient public services.

Councillor Graham Cheatley, Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, supported the recommendations, emphasising that value for money is a key driver. He stated that running their own IT service gives NNC direct control over costs, greater transparency, and clearer financial assurance.

Councillor Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, raised concerns about the disaggregation, stating that a due diligence report acknowledged that there was no disaggregation benefit to WNC and its taxpayers. He also questioned the scope of the disaggregation, particularly regarding security, and expressed concerns about potential hidden costs. He said:

Your report asks the committee to recognise due diligence carried out in March 2025. However, the so-called due diligence report acknowledged that there was no disaggregation benefit to WNC and her taxpayers. The report did not offer one single measurable benefit or metric in favour of disaggregation.

Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Health and Leisure, stated that NNC has been on a pathway to achieve operational independence in its IT arrangements by March 2027, and that the decision formalises this process.

Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, added that staff have been increasingly frustrated with access to their computers, affecting their ability to perform their duties. He expressed hope that they could work positively with WNC to ensure a better outcome for both councils in 2027.

The committee voted on the recommendations in the report, with Councillor James Petter, Deputy Leader for West Northamptonshire Council, and Councillor Last voting against delegating authority to the Section 151 officers to agree the final cost implications.