PROPOSALS to share more services have been discussed by West Devon Borough and South Hams councils.

Councillors from South Hams executive and West Devon's strategies and resources committee agreed a joint report to move ahead with the next stage of the shared services initiative between the two authorities.

The councils already share a number of services between them, including environmental health, revenues and benefits and personnel.

West Devon Borough Council leader James McInnes said: 'Both councils have an enviable record in providing high quality services and we need to look at ways in which front-line services can be safeguarded and every opportunity taken to cut management costs and bring about greater efficiencies in back office support.

'The shared revenues and benefits service between both councils began on October 1st and more savings of £300,000 are anticipated from that development alone.

'We do expect to see further shared arrangements in relation to housing, community delivery, strategic planning, and waste and street cleaning services over the next year or so. Such decisions will be based on business cases being demonstrated.'

South Hams District Council leader Cllr John Tucker said just under £800,000 had been saved jointly by both councils since shared services began in 2007.