A NEW business plan for a group of four partner councils has been agreed, with the aim to save over £2 million.

Cotswold District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire District Councils joined together as an attempt to increase their efficiency of service.

The business plan – titled ‘Preparing for the Future’ – provides an overview of the company and its aims, setting out objectives towards improving services for residents while identifying savings of £2.35 million over the next three years.

Chairman of Publica Group, Dave Brooks said: "Our priority will always be doing the day job really well as that provides our firm foundation. Adding this layer around transformation, will create an agile, responsive and efficient organisation which will benefit our member councils, employees and residents and leave Publica well prepared for future developments.”

Commenting on Cotswold District Council’s decision to approve the business plan, CDC Deputy Leader Cllr Nick Parsons said: “This is a clear and positive blueprint for the future, and shows how the partner councils will reap the benefits of group working to transform and improve the services we provide to residents.

"Importantly, it also enables elected councillors from each local authority to retain their independence on key decisions and specific priorities.”

To view a copy of the business plan visit http://www.publicagroup.uk/media/1143/publica-business-plan-mar-2018-final.pdf

Cotswold Liberal Democrats were unavailable for comment.