A council in Hampshire is planning to set up a joint venture company to run its services in a deal believed to be the first of its kind in the south of England.
Norse South East will be a 10-year partnership between Havant Borough Council and Norse Commercial Services. The aim is to also sell services to other local authorities and businesses.
It is hoped the venture will help to address £1.8m budget deficit facing Havant over the next five years. All staff from operational services will transfer over the to new company as part of the deal when it takes over in April.
Councillor Tony Briggs, cabinet lead for environment and neighbourhood quality, said: 'The forming of this joint venture company will mean that Havant Borough Council's operational services will become Norse South East.
'To our residents it will be simply a new name, with the same service. However, it will allow us to generate additional income to support the future work of the council.'
