A new shared services agreement between the Scottish Court Service (SCS) and the COPFS (Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service) will net £1million savings over five years.

Around £200,000 a year is expected in savings as a result of an agreement that will see the SCS provide a full range of estate services to the COPFS.

Sixty-five per cent of COPFS accommodation is located within SCS owned property and the savings made will be shared between the two organisations.

The SCS will provide a full range of estate management services to COPFS from 14 July 2011, including:

• general estates management;
• strategic estates planning;
• facilities management and maintenance contracts;
• energy management to meet carbon reduction targets;
• management of both major capital projects and minor estates works;
• estate helpdesk services; and
• preventative maintenance.

From 1 October, 2011, this will be extended to include health and safety services as well.

Eleanor Emberson, Chief Executive, Scottish Court Service said: "This is a practical way of helping both the SCS and the COPFS cope with much tighter budgets. Working collaboratively will save money for each organisation and we will be looking for more ways to save money by sharing services in the future."

Catherine Dyer Crown Agent and Chief Executive of COPFS said: "The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Courts operate in the same locations across Scotland so are a natural fit when it comes to shared services. This agreement delivers savings while maintaining the Crown's prosecutorial independence."