23 November 2009, 09/278
OR Savings
A massive £1.5 million has been saved by West
Lancashire Borough Council over the last five years by introducing
new ways of working that give better value for money as well as
improved services.
The Council has been systematically reviewing
key service areas and streamlining its processes through a radical
new approach called Organisational Engineering – OR - launched
in 2004.
Cllr Ian Grant, Leader of the Council, said:
“We’ve saved a total of £1.5 million in cash and efficiency since
we launched OR, while at the same time we have improved the way
customers can access our services. Previously, people had to phone
and wait to be transferred to a specialist who could deal with
their query. Now more than 100 services can be dealt with one call
through the contact centre. People can also visit our website
www.westlancs.gov.uk where we
provide more than 100 online services and payments.”
Some of the savings made through OR
include:
- Council Tax: £153,000 saved each year since 2004/05
- Housing repairs: £217,500
- Street scene: £23,500
- Environmental Health: £41,000
- Private sector housing: £39,500
Cllr David Westley, portfolio holder for
finance and performance management, said: “OR is based on lean
thinking. It means reviewing how we operate and streamlining our
processes while giving a better service. It’s already helped us
make massive savings and we will continue with OR in future years
to ensure we are as efficient as possible.
“The Council is determined to ensure we give
customers value for money from their Council Tax and rents, and OR
provides slicker, smarter ways of working that help us make the
best use of resources to deliver the best possible services at the
lowest possible cost.”
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