From Islington Tribune LINK - merging of legal departments of nine London boroughs, including Islington and Brent:
'...secret discussions...have taken place between nine London boroughs, including Camden and Islington, about effectively "privatising" the Town Hall's legal department.
'Tens of thousands of pounds have so far been spent on consultants looking into the proposals - and will "cost far more" if it goes ahead.
'According to leaked documents obtained by the Islington Tribune the plans would be presented to new councillors as a "fait accompli" after tomorrow's local elections.
'Under the plans Islington, Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, the City of London, Harrow, Hounslow, Brent and Waltham Forest, would merge their legal teams with each authority specialising in one area'
But
'Breaking up legal services would dilute the quality of work already achieved... there will be major data protection and IT compatibility issues...much money and time has been spent on the project to date and much more will be spent in the future - £150,000 so far to Kennedy Cater solicitors who are acting as consultants...the joint services plan has already been approved so that members are presented with a fait accompli after the election'.
'...secret discussions...have taken place between nine London boroughs, including Camden and Islington, about effectively "privatising" the Town Hall's legal department.
'Tens of thousands of pounds have so far been spent on consultants looking into the proposals - and will "cost far more" if it goes ahead.
'According to leaked documents obtained by the Islington Tribune the plans would be presented to new councillors as a "fait accompli" after tomorrow's local elections.
'Under the plans Islington, Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, the City of London, Harrow, Hounslow, Brent and Waltham Forest, would merge their legal teams with each authority specialising in one area'
But
'Breaking up legal services would dilute the quality of work already achieved... there will be major data protection and IT compatibility issues...much money and time has been spent on the project to date and much more will be spent in the future - £150,000 so far to Kennedy Cater solicitors who are acting as consultants...the joint services plan has already been approved so that members are presented with a fait accompli after the election'.