Councils explore future collaborative working opportunities

The programme is exploring where councils could work more closely together in the future to strengthen services, improve resilience and make better use of public resources.

A report due to be considered by councillors will provide an update on the work carried out since members approved the next stage of the programme in November 2025. The report does not seek any new decisions and is intended to keep members informed of progress.

Since then, project teams have been developing detailed business cases in a number of service areas.

These include:

• Revenues and Benefits
• Internal Audit and Fraud
• Emergency Planning and Resilience
• Corporate Procurement
• Governance

Work is also beginning on a Procurement for IT in Education project, which will look at opportunities around contracts for equipment used by schools and pupils.

The programme is currently focused on gathering information, reviewing how services operate, identifying opportunities for improvement and assessing the costs, benefits and risks of different approaches. No decisions have been made about future service delivery arrangements.

As part of the programme, a Joint Staff Forum has been established to ensure Trade Unions are kept informed and involved as the work develops. The forum meets quarterly has met twice now, in March and June and now includes representatives from all three councils.

Nikki Bridle, chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council, said: “Over the past six months, project teams have made good progress in developing the information needed to assess future options for joint working.

“The report going to council will provide an update on that work and highlight the progress being made across a number of projects.

“This work is about taking a careful and evidence-based approach to understanding where collaboration could help strengthen services, improve resilience and support long-term sustainability.

“The focus at this stage is on developing business cases and ensuring any future recommendations are informed by evidence, staff expertise and a clear understanding of the potential benefits and risks. No decisions are being sought at this time and any future decisions will have to come before council at the appropriate time.”