Two Essex councils have agreed to explore further joint working and shared services.

Basildon Council and Brentwood Borough Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities for partnership and collaborative working.

The agreement follows their successful shared revenues and benefits service.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, leader of Brentwood Borough Council, said: ‘It’s a logical and economically effective way to operate in the current challenging economic climate and our residents rightly expect us to identify ways to provide best value for money.

‘Shared services between Brentwood and Basildon are up and running and together, we will explore further opportunities. The key to our success with the revenues and benefits shared service is that we are still two separate councils providing one seamless service by working together to support one another and doing it in a way that saves both councils money.’

Cllr Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council,added: ‘We commit to explore with Brentwood creating the right structures to be future proof and flexible to meet the shared services opportunities and changing financial picture.’