Title

FINANCE

Councils sign partnership deal

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

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

Basildon DC and Brentwood BC have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore more opportunities for partnership and collaborative working.

The agreement follows the councils sharing their revenues and benefits service.

Brentwood leader, Cllr Louise McKinlay, 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.' 

Basildon leader, Cllr Phil Turner, 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.'

FINANCE

Dithering continues despite Burnham's push for devolution

By By Joe Lepper | 17 September 2026

Joe Lepper finds devolution geographies in many places are far from being settled despite Prime Minister Andy Burnham's push for strategic authorities to cov...

FINANCE

Using data to plan the future of adult social care

By Pete Sidgwick | 17 September 2026

Hilary Hall and Pete Sidgwick look at how shared intelligence can help councils anticipate demand, workforce pressures and market risks.

FINANCE

MJ Regeneration: A Budget to build from

By David Blackman | 17 September 2026

Chancellor John Healey’s commitment to regional economic growth predates the Burnham Government by about 30 years, says David Blackman. His Budget will need ...

FINANCE

From fragmented projects to connected places: the power of partnerships

By Ben Cummins | 17 September 2026

As local authorities take on an increasingly significant role in delivering national ambitions, the need for strategic partnerships that can support long-ter...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman

-->