Dorset County Council to seek advice on cutting costs

Dorset County Council has already implemented £60m of cuts since 2010

Dorset County Council is considering hiring external advisers to help it restructure its back office services.

The authority, which needs to save £45m by 2017/18, is looking at ways of streamlining departments such as human resources, finance and IT.

Councillors are being asked to approve the appointment of advisers to decide on the best way forward, ahead of a final decision in the autumn.

Dorset's cabinet is due to vote on the proposal on 8 July.

A report being considered by councillors said the reform was not about tactical changes, such as management changes or merging teams, but focussed on adopting approaches such as using technology to automate processes.

The advisers would help the council consider options including partnerships with other local authorities, outsourcing or bringing in support to deliver changes "in-house".

Council leader Robert Gould said nothing had been ruled in or out.

He said: "If we are to successfully implement these changes within the next three years and continue delivering 'business as usual', we may need to draw on additional expertise and support."

Dorset County Council has already implemented £60m of cuts since 2010 and is working to reduce the number of buildings it owns as well reorganising its adult care, highways and children's services.