We intend to improve the way in which we deliver the service by utilising the skills and experience that the partners provide in the most effective way. We also intend to improve the way in which we communicate with our customers.

We are jointly agreeing target costs prior to commencing work. Once a target cost is set for a job this will be the amount that the County Council expects to pay. Obviously, unforeseen aspects may arise from time to time which will be require the target cost to be adjusted through negotiation. A pain/gain mechanism has been developed which means that if Atkins and the supply chain partners deliver a job for less than the target cost, they then share in the savings made. This is balanced with a ‘pain’ element whereby if the job costs more, Atkins or the supply chain partners meet the majority of the additional cost.

We also expect, through joint working, to develop new ways of delivering the service that will demonstrate savings which can be reinvested in the service. For example, we are now providing hot boxes in our highway depots for the storage of hot surfacing materials to reduce the time and mileage in collecting these materials from suppliers who are often some distance away.