Eleven councils have pledged to move away from big outsourcing contracts and keep local services in the hands of local community organisations.

The councils have signed up to Locality’s Keep it Local Network. They have committed to six principles to improve their current practice such as increasing local spend, proactively support local organisations and ensure commissioning is local by default.

The councils are: Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Bristol City Council, Calderdale Council, Hackney Council, Kirklees Council, Lewisham Council, Newcastle City Council, Oldham Council, Rotherham Council, South Gloucestershire Council and Wirral Council.

Tony Armstrong, CEO of Locality, said: 'We’re thrilled to have these 11 trailblazers signed up to keep it local. Service delivery built on local partnership and the power of community delivers outstanding services for local people.

'Councils should see collaboration with these organisations as an investment, rather than a simple public spending decision.'