THREE neighbouring local authorities are joining forces in an effort to see whether their revenue and benefits services can be more cost effective.

Darlington, Richmondshire and Teesdale Councils are getting together to investigate whether they can make the services more efficient.

It means the authorities will jointly explore the possibility of working together on such things as the collection of council tax and business rates and payment of housing benefits.

The head of Richmondshire's financial unit, Martin Drydale, said: "At present all three councils have separate arrangements for delivering the same services and, in a climate when local authorities are having to make financial savings, it makes sense to share some of the administrative load.

"The review will help us to identify how we can work more efficiently and save valuable public money."

Wider opinions will be sought at a 'Revenue and Benefits Challenge Day', to be held on Monday at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington.

Invited stakeholders, including private sector contractors, government agencies, information technology suppliers and community representatives, will be asked to comment on the standard of services offered by the councils and how they can best be delivered.