Plans to share IT services among four councils in Devon are on track after Plymouth City Council voted to invest in an outline business case.

A paper outlining how Plymouth, together with East Devon DC, Exeter City Council and Teignbridge DC could make £16m IT savings over ten years will be prepared by June, at a budgeted cost of £85,000.

East Devon and Exeter have already agreed to fund their share of the business case costs and Teignbridge members will vote to approve their contribution later in the week.

The estimated £1.2m costs for implementing the shared service system could be paid back within the first two years of operation, according to current proposals.

Deputy leader for Plymouth City Council, Cllr Peter Smith said: ‘When all councils are faced with making similar budget cuts it makes sense to look at options where we can deliver back office services together.

‘Shared services is an option we are looking into which could potentially save money which could otherwise be needed in other areas such as services for vulnerable adults and children.'