Proposals for Northamptonshire Police and Cheshire Constabulary to share a number of non-frontline services have been agreed by Northamptonshire Police Authority.

The decision - which will result in elements of Human Resources, Finance and Procurement being shared between forces and delivered from a single location - means that the Authority will now proceed to the contract stage with Cheshire Police Authority and technology provider Capgemini, before moving into the design and build stages of the technology.

The decision re-enforces the Forces’ position to protect front-line services to the public as much as possible during this challenging time. Shared services will mean working differently behind the scenes, however crucially there will be no change to the way our communities can access our front-line services.

Deirdre Newham, Chair of Northamptonshire Police Authority, said:

“Today is a milestone in the history of both police authorities and forces and the Police Authority considered this matter in great detail before reaching a decision today.

“The challenge set by government is that, by March 2015, Northamptonshire Police will have to operate on a budget that is reduced by nearly £20m compared to the 2010 position.

“Our responsibility is to respond positively to this challenge, ensure the Force prioritises frontline services and identifies opportunities to make savings in areas that will not jeopardise those services. The proposals agreed today mean that a number of ‘back office’ functions can be delivered at a significantly reduced cost – essential if we are to balance the budget in the months and years ahead.”