WEAR Valley District Council is giving better value for money, arrangements, resulting in savings for the council.

It has introduced a number of initiatives designed to maximise the use of tax-payers money.

These include the purchase of IT equipment, using a Government contract which gives the lowest price for the best quality.

It has meant a saving of £34,000 in the past year.

Sharing services with other authorities has lead to reductions in staffing costs.

Letting staff work from home has also increased productivity.

In the coming months, the council will build upon these successes by examining areas such as recruitment advertising and vehicle maintenance, where it hopes further savings can be made.

Councillor Colin Hayton, chairman of the central resources committee, said: "These steps have and will enable the council to maximise services to the public.

"The process of achieving value for money is a continual one, which I am confident will be met over time.

"I am pleased that real efficiencies are being achieved in how the council spends its money."