Councils consider service sharing

Two district councils in Cumbria have been discussing the possibility of sharing some of their services and management roles.

Eden and South Lakeland councillors have emphasised that the move would be an alliance rather than a merger.

The proposal aims to cut costs and improve efficiency.

It will be discussed at an Eden District Council meeting on 26 November, and by South Lakeland District Council on 10 December.

Similar issues

If given the go-ahead, formal negotiations would take place, between executives from both councils, with a report likely to be ready in February 2010.

Councillor Keith Phillips, leader of Eden District Council, said: "Officers from our respective authorities can now work on a recommendation to go before the full council meetings.

"We will then await the decisions of each council to see if this work is progressed further in the future."

Peter Ridgway, chief executive of South Lakeland District Council, said: "We serve similar areas, have similar issues and recognise there is an opportunity to do some of that together better and avoid duplication."