A group of 18 councils in the south of England joined forces to launch 12 legal panels last week in a deal that will see the nine external firms selected share millions of pounds in legal fees over three years.


The deal, co-ordinated by the southern branch of the Association of Council Secretaries and Solicitors (ACSeS), is expected to generate substantial savings for the local authorities concerned.



Nottingham-based Browne Jacobson was the biggest winner in the tender, being appointed to all 12 panels. Some 26 firms tendered for the contract, with panel places awarded to Davitt Jones Bould, Michelmores, Foot Anstey, Moore & Blatch, Paris Smith & Randall, Sternberg Reed Taylor & Gill, Veale Wasborough, and Weightmans. Most firms were appointed to five or six panels. The panels cover most aspects of family, property, commercial, employment and litigation work.



Stephen Taylor, director of law and democratic services at Swindon Borough Council and southern branch secretary of ACSeS, said the arrangement had enabled the councils to achieve preferential rates with firms, as well saving procurement costs for the next three years.



He said the councils will instruct panel firms directly using a standard form. Firms will provide a quarterly report on the volume of work they have received, with an opportunity to give feedback. The contracts are for three years, with an option to extend for another year.



Mr Taylor added: 'There is a potential for a huge amount of money for law firms, which could run into millions, and a huge level of savings for the authorities. Last year, Swindon alone spent £350,000 on outside legal advice.'



The 18 authorities that participated in the scheme include Bournemouth Borough Council, Dorset County Council, Poole Borough Council, Salisbury District Council, Swindon Borough Council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, Wiltshire Police Authority, Winchester City Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.



Peter Allinson, chief executive of property firm Davitt Jones Bould, said the process had been 'transparent and fair'.



Rachel Rothwell