BIG savings are in the pipeline for Tavistock tax payers, following a review of town council-owned buildings.

Members of the town's properties committee were told that the works department had carried out a full investigation of the provision of gas and electricity in council-owned premises.

Staff discovered that the utilities at 23 different sites were operated by a variety of different providers, and on 'numerous' contracts and rate scales.

Works superintendent Wayne Southall, in a report to members, said: 'For ease of future administration, it was decided to place all utilities with one provider and with one termination date. In addition, this would allow the council to approach providers at the next renewal with a good-sized portfolio that will attract more favourable rates.'

The committee was told that the total spend for gas and electricity in 2009/10 was £59,000.

Mr Southall said: 'The equivalent this year, by carrying out this exercise, is projected to be £38,000, saving the council £21,000.

'Savings should be greater next year as more current contracts expire and are moved over to the new contract.'

Cllr Mandy Govier congratulated the works department on their cost-cutting exercise.

She said: 'It's a huge saving — and potentially we will save even more.'