Detailed plans have been announced for seven councils in the west of Scotland to pool services to save money.  It would mean most of the former Strathclyde region councils sharing support services of finance, payroll, revenues and benefits, HR and IT.  Between 2,000 and 3,400 staff could transfer to the new shared body.

The councils involved are North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde and West and East Dunbartonshire.

Reports from the BBC can be found here and the Herald here.  These reports also point out that concerns have been raised with this proposal from a trade union and some councillors.  The main concern appears to be the potential job losses.  The difference in tone in these reports is also interesting.

Two local authorities in central Scotland are set to begin sharing more services.  Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils have been jointly running education and social service departments since March 2011.  Now, a report due to be submitted on 11 August will recommend that the authorities begin sharing IT and personnel services as well.

The report from the BBC can be found here.