Derbyshire CC is considering plans to launch two joint ventures with Suffolk CC.

If approved, the companies would deliver cleaning and caretaking services for Derbyshire, as well as design services for construction projects costing more than £50,000.

The council is also considering forming a partnership with Public Sector Plc to change the way it sells surplus properties and is seeking a lead contractor to carry out major construction projects.

Derbyshire's cabinet member for council services, Cllr Angelique Foster, said: ‘Keeping cleaning and caretaking within the public sector is the best possible option for our customers, and offers best value for money for council tax payers at this time.

‘If cabinet agrees then we will start detailed negotiations and would hope, if all goes well, that our employees could move over to work for Suffolk and its subsidiaries by next March.'