Havant Borough Council has announced its intention to join the Southampton and Fareham Legal Services Partnership from 1 January 2023.
The Partnership was originally set up in 2011 and merged Fareham and Southampton councils' legal departments to create a partnership which was the first of its kind in the Solent region. With Havant Borough Council also deciding to join, the Partnership is set to become even more resilient and cost effective, ensuring the three councils are supported in the varied and often complex legal work that councils are involved with. The newly expanded Partnership will continue to be based at Southampton City Council’s offices, with remote working and solicitor presence available at Fareham and Havant’s councils too when required.
The Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Satvir Kaur said: "We were really pleased to see this decision to join our national award-winning joint legal service - it's a move which will ensure we can provide Havant with a resilient and highly skilled legal team. Since it was introduced, The Southampton and Fareham Legal Services Partnership has gone from strength to strength, and we are looking forward to seeing it grow further with the addition of Havant Borough Council. It’s important that as a council we share services with neighbours where it’s efficient and cost effective. This allows the best value for money to local residents".
The Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Alex Rennie said: “We are delighted to be joining the Partnership and are looking forward to benefiting from the expert skills and knowledge that will be available to us with excellent value for money for our residents. This decision demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Havant Borough Council to developing and strengthening working relationships with our partners across the Solent region".