Southwark Council has announced its intention to withdraw from the Shared Technology Service (STS), a partnership with Brent and Lewisham councils.
The decision, revealed at the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee meeting on Tuesday 25 November 2025, is driven by a wider recommissioning exercise, financial pressures, and a plan to consolidate IT, Digital, and Resident Experience into a single function. Southwark aims to streamline operations by combining these departments into a single, unified function.
According to the Public reports pack, Southwark is facing significant financial pressures as a result of the Local Government Fair Funding Review and is seeking opportunities to consolidate and reduce its spending.
Transition Plan
While formal notice hasn't been issued, Clive, who is involved in Southwark's exit from the Shared Technology Service, stated that Southwark intends to develop a shared exit plan with STS to ensure transparency. Before we issue our notice, we will develop alongside STS a sort of shared exit plan if that makes sense,
he said. He also mentioned that the joint ownership of the exit plan will largely dictate the timescales involved.
The transition team will work collectively with all partners to develop a comprehensive plan. At this stage, it is difficult to put a definitive timeline on the withdrawal. Timescales will be confirmed once the transition plan is established.
The plan will address TUPE implications, contract changes, and the transfer of documentation and security protocols. The withdrawal is intended to be gradual to minimise disruption to council services.
