PLANS for a cull of public sector buildings across the county have been backed by Worcester councillors - who have been won over by the money-saving deal.

Your Worcester News can reveal how a project to get councils, the police and fire service in Worcestershire to merge their property assets has taken a firm step towards launching.

The 'Joint Property Vehicle', first revealed in March, is aimed at saving £11 million in maintenance costs within a decade and potentially, tens of millions in building sales.

Under the deal all the public sector bodies will look to merge offices where possible, flog unneeded sites and make huge savings in areas like electricity by buying in bulk.

Worcester City Council's watchdog-style scrutiny committee explored the project's implications in a meeting last night and effectively endorsed it.

During the meeting it emerged that the NHS, which was one of the front-runners for it, has dropped out but Herefordshire Council has opted in.

The committee were also told how the Government is now eyeing up the launch with keen interest, as it is being viewed as 'pioneering' in Whitehall.

Lesley Meagher, corporate director of resources at the city council, said: "Between all of us we spend £57 million a year on all of our properties.

"There are some significant savings to be made, from our perspective it's a real opportunity."

She said of the £57 million, more than 50 per cent goes on bills like rent, rates, utilities and maintenance while £8 million goes on staff to look after the sites.

"By bringing us all together there's a real opportunity for better economies of scale - we have to get better value for money, particularly with purchasing power in areas like energy," she added.

The Joint Property Vehicle is expected to launch next year and will be controlled by seven directors, one for each body taking part.

As well as Worcester City Council the fire service, West Mercia and Warwickshire Police, Redditch Borough Council, Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council are all in.

It will become a company, with 14 shareholders appointed across the various bodies, and each organisation's director will have the power of a veto on any sales - even if the other six back it.

Councillor Chris Mitchell, city council cabinet member for finance, said it was "a very well argued business case".

He told the committee assets like the Guildhall would never be included in any sales.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, scrutiny committee chairman, added: "I think most of us recognise the benefits of working this way."