Cannock Chase Council to share buildings and services in bid to save half a million pounds
Sharing buildings and services is just one of the ways in which Cannock Chase Council will pull in funds to reduce a potential shortfall of more than £500,000 over the next four years.
Retaining more business rates is another idea.
Council chiefs said they are looking at ways to make savings now, rather than axe services and jobs in the future.
The authority has a forecast deficit of £578,000 in 2017/18, according to a report to the decision-making cabinet.
Head of finance at the authority, Bob Kean said an agreement had been reached with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Business Rates Pool, allowing Cannock Chase Council to retain more of the business rates it receives.
He said the authority was also sharing some services with Stafford Borough Council, for example in human resources and IT, and it was making greater use of its council offices in Beecroft Road.
Mr Kean said the building was being shared with staff from the NHS, clinical commissioning group and Staffordshire County Council.
According to the report to the council's cabinet, the authority could face a deficit of £176,000 in 2016/17 which could grow to £578,000 in 2017/18.
But Mr Kean said: "We have time to consult and think about what we are doing.
"We are exploring further accommodation to see who else can come into the building."
Other areas being looked at to save money include a senior management restructure, reviewing services and looking at ways the council commissions services to make sure they provide value for money.
The council will also consider external funding opportunities and review charges for services.
The report to cabinet said the authority has a number of earmarked reserves set aside for future events and part of the funds could support future budgets.
Mr Kean added: "Reductions to services are implemented as a last resort."
No decision has yet been made over council tax charges for 2015/16.
Council leader George Adamson said the amount it would be set at depended on grants from the Government.
At a council cabinet meeting last night, he said: "We haven't made a decision on the council tax yet.
"Hopefully we are looking at a freeze, depending on the Government grant."
