WEST Oxfordshire District Council is looking into setting up a company with three other authorities.

If the proposal goes ahead, it will mean the council would not directly employ any of its own staff but it would jointly own a company that would provide services.

The district council is looking into setting up the company with Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council and Cheltenham Borough Council.

If the scheme goes ahead it is expected that the district council will save an additional £700,000 a year.

Council leader Barry Norton said: “Our councils already have a track record of developing innovative arrangements irrespective of traditional district, county or regional boundaries.

“The approach set out in this proposal builds on that firm foundation and provides a very strong basis to support a new model for local government.”

West Oxfordshire District Council has already merged its senior management team with Cotswold District Council.

Under the proposals, each council would still remain independent and be able to set their own policies.

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