Shared Technology Service (STS)
Southwark Council is preparing to exit the Shared Technology Service by March 2028, citing a recommissioning exercise and financial pressures.
Southwark Council formally notified its intention to exit the Shared Technology Service, a joint IT service with Brent and Lewisham councils, by March 2028. This decision, announced at the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee meeting in March 2026, follows a formal notice issued in January 2026. The council aims to consolidate IT, Digital, and Resident Experience into a single function and reduce spending.
Southwark's withdrawal is driven by a wider recommissioning exercise and financial pressures, as reported in November 2025. The council is planning substantial IT spending cuts for 2026/27, which are expected to have operational impacts on services and residents, according to a report to the Joint IT Committee in July 2025.
The Shared Technology Service, established between Brent, Lewisham, and Southwark councils with Brent as host, was enhancing IT security and service performance. In July 2025, the councils allocated a total budget of £17.84 million for the 2025/26 financial year, including funds for a new vulnerability management tool.
Key facts
- Southwark Council formally notified its intention to exit the Shared Technology Service on January 27, 2026. Source
- Southwark Council aims to complete its exit from the Shared Technology Service by March 31, 2028. Source
- Southwark Council's decision to exit the service was announced at a committee meeting in March 2026. Source
- Southwark Council announced its intention to withdraw from the service at a committee meeting in November 2025. Source
- The councils allocated a total budget of £17.84 million for the Shared Technology Service for the 2025/26 financial year. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.