Barnet Council is undertaking a review of its contract with Capita, a major outsourcing company, to assess the effectiveness and value for money of the services provided. The review aims to ensure the council is receiving optimal services at a reasonable cost, especially given the current financial climate.
The review was mentioned during a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, as part of a discussion on the Cabinet Forward Plan. The Cabinet Forward Plan indicates that the review will encompass the procurement and transition of existing Capita contracts, addressing the future of these services beyond Capita's involvement.
The Capita contract is listed among several key decisions scheduled for consideration by the cabinet in the coming months. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee may choose to examine the review in detail before the cabinet makes its decision. The committee noted that the item is 'part exempt', meaning that some of the discussion would need to take place in a closed session. The specific reasons for this exemption are not detailed in the Cabinet Forward Plan.
Capita's work with Barnet Council has included a wide range of services, from customer services and revenue collection to IT and property management. The review will likely examine the performance of these services, as well as the financial implications of the contract.
The decision to review the Capita contract comes as Barnet Council faces increasing financial pressures. Like many local authorities, Barnet has seen reduced funding from central government, leading to a greater reliance on locally generated income. This financial context makes it all the more important to ensure that all council contracts provide value for money and deliver effective services for residents.
