Labour Party shadow ministers today announced proposals to drive further £500m back office and shared service efficiencies from local government.

Savings identified in the ‘zero-based' review (ZBR) of Government spending would deliver more than £500m budget cuts from the Communities and Local Government budget.

This would include more than half a billion pounds annually from 2016/17 through shared services and back office collaboration and the abolition of the New Homes Bonus – with cash reallocated within the sector.