About 50 managerial jobs could be lost under joint working

Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils are planning to merge services such as education and social work in a cost cutting exercise.

Stirling Council has now agreed to look at the plan in more detail.

In another move, the local authority also decided to scrap its committees in favour of a single executive.

The two councils said the joint working plan could immediately save �4m and allow them to remain individual.

Union consultation

The plans were brought forward following concerns that the councils could face the axe under any Scottish Executive-led plans for the reorganisation of local government.

About 50 managerial jobs could be lost in the move and compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out.

Stirling Council officials will now consult with staff and trade unions to develop detailed proposals within three months.

Clackmannanshire Council is discussing the shake-up on Friday.

This administration is showing that we are committed to reviewing and improving our political management arrangements Corrie McChord Stirling Council leader

Meanwhile, in another radical move, Stirling Council decided to dissolve its committees, panels and working groups.

The new executive, comprising six councillors, will play a major role in leading the authority, including developing new policies and recommending budgets and council tax levels.

It will be held to account by full meetings of Stirling Council and opposition members will be able to call in executive decisions for scrutiny.

The executive will involve three statutory religious representatives and an opposition member on education matters.

Stirling Council leader Corrie McChord said the new system would allow quicker decision making.

"This administration is showing that we are committed to reviewing and improving our political management arrangements," he said.

"We are piloting this new system in advance of the 2007 local government elections that we believe will bring many new members to the council chamber, of all political colours."