SOUTH Somerset District Council is looking to save millions of pounds by delivering services in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council.

With central government planning to cut all rural services grants by 2019/20, the two councils are facing having to make £6 million of savings between them.

By forming what they have called a ‘strategic alliance’, the two councils hope to save £2.5 million through a number of measures, including finding ways of generating new income and cutting staff.

Cllr Ric Pallister, leader of South Somerset District Council (SSDC), said: “I am delighted that both councils have agreed to move ahead on greater collaborative working with a real sense of purpose.

“The future for local authorities in the current financial climate isn’t just about savings.

“Cuts can be prevented by creating new income streams to both protect and improve our front line services to the public.

“We both recognise that by sharing resources and thinking, we are stronger together than individually and the future potential of this partnership is exciting to us all.”

SSDC say this ‘strategic alliance’ would allow for appropriate elements, great initiatives and opportunities from all the business cases to be taken forward for further exploration and could give the council a stronger voice across the region.

While the councils are planning to join forces, they will remain sovereign voices for their respective regions.

West Somerset Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council made a similar move in 2013.

The mayor of Chard, Cllr Dave Bulmer, who is also the independent vice-chairman of scrutiny from South Somerset, said: “The next four years are going to be hard for both of us with these cuts and so resilience is the key.

“If we could find a way to work together we could have a stronger voice.

“However, it would be wrong for me to pre-empt what will happen from here on in.”

Cllr Duncan McGinty, leader of Sedgemoor District council, said: “The potential for a strategic alliance between the two councils offers a very real opportunity to strengthen our presence regionally and secure a positive future for our residents.

“We are all facing challenges and by working together we can address those challenges head on.

“It is not just about savings, it is also about creating new income streams, sharing expertise, improving services and getting the most from collaborative working.”