A CASH-STRAPPED council is looking to shed responsibility for some of its public services in a desperate bid to save money. A briefing issued to Uttlesford District Council (UDC) staff last week said that the council would run out of money in five years

A CASH-STRAPPED council is looking to shed responsibility for some of its public services in a desperate bid to save money.

A briefing issued to Uttlesford District Council (UDC) staff last week said that the council would run out of money in five years' time unless "radical steps" were taken.

A potential partnership with Welwyn Hatfield District Council could see core services - such as customer services, council tax, benefits, mailroom and IT - move away from the Saffron Walden office.

Also on the cards is a partnership with Harlow District Council to provide building control and environmental health.

A UDC spokesman said: "The council has made its desire to share services well known over the last couple of years - it is a key priority in our corporate plan.

"These discussions are at various stages and there is no guarantee that all will come to fruition."

UDC needs to cut its running cost by �1.3 million a year within five years and it is hoped that partnerships will deliver the bulk of these savings.

Money-saving initiatives that have been looked at and discounted include cuts in services, a four-day week for council staff and sale of housing stock.

The district council already operates a number of partnerships including payroll, human resources, parking and airport planning, but staff were told that now was the time to "step up a gear".

A UDC spokesman added: "Partnerships will only be entered into if there is a clear financial benefit and consistent or improved service quality."

One member of staff, who did not wished to be named, said: "There is a lot of concern about the changes that are happening. We have been told that compulsory redundancies will not be made, but if our jobs move to Welwyn then a lot of people will be put in a difficult position."

A UDC spokesman said: "The impact on staff will depend upon the specifics of the partnership. None of the discussions are at a sufficiently advanced stage to be able to give numbers or details."

A report will be presented to full council in July and a final decision will be made by councillors.