Two local authorities in Lincolnshire have revealed the name of a new, shared back office service.

Northern Lincolnshire Business Connect will be launched in April and will run IT, accounts, HR, legal, audit and other services.

The move is expected to save North and North East Lincolnshire councils more than £12m over the next decade.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for policy and finances at North Lincolnshire Council, said: ‘Northern Lincolnshire Business Connect is not just about saving money; ultimately, it is about creating a better, more joined-up way of working on some back office support services that currently each council provides separately.

‘The two councils are very similar in size and are right next door to each other, so it makes perfect sense to look at ways we can become more efficient and effective and it is only right that we do so.’

Cllr Matthew Patrick, portfolio holder for finance and resources at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: ‘We now have an identity for the new service that people will recognise in our business transactions with our many customers.

‘We must continue to look at ways we can improve the way we deliver our services to our customers and in doing so, where possible, save money in the process. This money can be better spent on delivering key services to those who need them.’