AN IT provider is to officially move into Hartlepool to take on council work which will save Hartlepool Borough Council £1m a year and secure 235 jobs.

The company, Northgate Public Services (NPS), is moving new offices called Northgate House and expects to recruit a further 46 staff shortly. It is eventually hoped the company will employ 300 people.

Many staff currently based at Wynyard Business Centre, near Stockton, have been transferring to the new building in Lynn Street, Hartlepool.

NPS has signed a seven-year agreement with the council, with an option to extend it for a further three years.

Workers will take on roles including housing benefit and council tax assessors. NPS has also set up Northgate Academy in conjunction with Hartlepool college of Further Education which will provide 35 apprenticeships for people wishing to work in information technology.

As part of the partnership between Hartlepool Council and Northgate a new initiative, the Northgate Community Fund, has also been launched, for voluntary and community organisations in Hartlepool to apply for grants to help improve people’s information technology and computer skills.

Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher, Hartlepool’s Ceremonial Mayor, said: “The agreement between Northgate Public Services and Hartlepool Council represents fantastic value for the town as it will result in a significant number of jobs and apprenticeships and deliver significant savings for the council.

“Northgate is right at the heart of the skills quarter which we have identified as one of the eight key areas in the Hartlepool Vision to regenerate our town and create prosperity for the future.

“It’s very encouraging to see Northgate creating new, much-needed job opportunities for local people and I am sure that the company will go from strength to strength in the town.”