West Essex councils sign agreement to work together

UTTLESFORD District Council has this week pledged to work alongside other local authorities in exploring new ventures.

Council leader Jim Ketteridge met with his counterparts from Epping and Harlow district councils to formally sign a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between the three authorities.

The move could open the door for a number of new service-sharing partnerships being formed.

Cllr Ketteridge said the agreement would be of significant “mutual benefit” to the three west Essex authorities.

“All three councils have to look to make savings over the next few years and this means that we can explore together opportunities for efficiencies and savings,” he said.

“It is not exclusive - we can look into other partnerships, for example - it is simply a formal agreement that we come together as the first port of call.”