 The councils say the move will save millions |
Two of Scotland's smallest councils have unveiled plans to jointly run many frontline services. Stirling and Clackmannanshire councils said they may be threatened by any Scottish Executive-led plans for the reorganisation of local government.
The authorities said the move could immediately save them �4m and at least the same again over the next two to three years.
The councils believe the plans would allow them to remain individual.
The two local authorities insisted the move would cut running costs with "little or no effect" on frontline staff and that they would each retain their own political control.
'Big gains'
Clackmannanshire Council Chief Executive Keir Bloomer said both councils have a track record of excellent service delivery.
However, he added: "That said, we are two small councils which would be threatened by any centrally directed reorganisation."
The councils also said that the plans, which propose joint working at management level, were not amalgamation.
Stirling Council Chief Executive Keith Yates said there were big gains to be made by working together.
"We are already developing proposals to share back office services with neighbouring authorities," he said.
"This new proposal seeks to merge frontline services which is where the bulk of our staff - and our resources - are invested."
Executive proposals
The proposals, which have been backed by Finance Minister Tom McCabe, will be considered by both councils next week with a recommendation to bring forward more detailed plans within three months.
The announcement coincided with the publication of a Scottish Executive discussion document on the reform of public services.
Mr McCabe said he accepted there was a need to look at Scotland's 32 councils, each with its own set of highly paid directors, but he insisted reform would be about more than "crude reorganisation".
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