The first independently run centre of its kind, Independent Shared Service Centre One (ISSC1) will be managed by business process outsourcing partner arvato and created from the existing Department for Transport (DfT) shared service centre in Swansea.
Read more: GB: Government establishes first independent shared service centre
Governments had for decades failed in their frustrated attempts to share back office services. But now a new initiative, which forms part of the Civil Service Reform Plan, is to use private sector expertise to save up to £600m a year for the taxpayer.
Read more: GB: Shared service centre to save government £600m a year
Telehealth uses technology to help people with health problems live more independently at home. For example, blood pressure or blood glucose levels can be measured at home and electronically transmitted to a health professional, reducing the need for hospital visits.
The governments of the UK and Estonia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing that they will collaborate on digital government initiatives in future.
Estonia is recognised as a world leader in e-government. Nine out of ten tax returns in the country are filled out online, as were a quarter of votes in its 2011 elections.
A meeting of the Single Issue Panel (SIP) for Support Services (JV) saw councillors discuss the financial side of the plan, including proposed savings.
Cllr Andrew Wallis (Helston South and Porthleven) said in the report, various Cornwall Council officers remarks said the BT-Lite option, while not matching the original level of savings, was nevertheless a good deal and worthy of consideration.
Read more: GB: South West England: Cornwall Council shared services privatisation plan: Latest