Two Reform-led councils have started their own DOGE-style efficiency reviews ahead of a visit from the party's national team tasked with scrutinising local government finances.

Lancashire CC's efficiency review launched last week after the move was approved by senior councillors while Derbyshire CC has appointed a DOGE cabinet member – chartered accountant John Lawson – to head its local review, assisted by three non-council volunteers with experience ‘in different fields dealing with efficiency'.