Malvern Hills DC has dropped plans to work with Worcester City Council on the ‘One organisation, two council' scheme to share the delivery of key services. Members of the ruling Tory group have voted against the proposals, and are to drop plans to develop the business case for the scheme, despite the findings of an earlier review which suggested it could lead to potential savings of up to £3.8m. A joint report by Malvern Hills DC chief executive, Chris Bocock, and Worcester City Council chief executive, David Wareing, to members of the Malvern Hills executive committee had concluded|: ‘We are satisfied that there are sufficient potential benefits to justify further work in the commissioning of a business case, in terms of financial savings, improvement to the way we deliver services across the two council areas, and improvement to the way we work with the county council.' However, Malvern councillors said they would, in future, assess schemes to work more closely with other councils on a ‘case by case basis', but backed existing plans to develop an accord with Worcester City Council and Worcestershire CC on economic development, human resources, payroll administration and youth and community services. Worcestershire chief executive, Trish Haines, has outlined plans for joint working initiatives with all six district councils on transport, waste management and affordable housing in a report to cabinet members which, ‘offer a real opportunity for the county council to exercise community leadership to improve two-tier working. This could improve efficiencies and services, as well as enhancing the council's reputation and credibility locally and nationally'. The county has already agreed joint working schemes on revenues and benefits with Wychavon, Worcester City and Malvern Hills, and has started work on a major review of public service assets with Bromsgrove DC
