Two Essex councils have agreed to explore further joint working and sharing of services.

Basildon DC and Brentwood BC have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore more opportunities for partnership and collaborative working.

The agreement follows the councils sharing their revenues and benefits service.

Brentwood leader, Cllr Louise McKinlay, said: ‘It's a logical and economically effective way to operate in the current challenging economic climate and our residents rightly expect us to identify ways to provide best value for money.

‘Shared services between Brentwood and Basildon are up and running and together we will explore further opportunities.' 

Basildon leader, Cllr Phil Turner, added: ‘We commit to explore with Brentwood creating the right structures to be future proof and flexible to meet the shared services opportunities and changing financial picture.'