BECAUSE of the continued uncertainly over the future of local government in Devon, and in attempt to save costs, leading Members and senior officers from Mid Devon District Council and East Devon District Council have met to investigate possible ways of joint working.

Various services are being considered for shared working and discussions are in place with respective service managers.

One of the Government's key priorities is to address the equality agenda and a joint appointment of a Diversity Officer has already been made between the two councils.

The postholder works at Mid Devon four days per week and at East Devon six days per week in every two week period, with the costs being shared accordingly.

In addition, Mid Devon District Council continues with its shared ICT arrangement with Torridge District Council which has been successfully operating for the last 18 months.