COMPUTER systems could be merged between four Essex councils to save cash.
Councillors are considering the cost cutting benefits of merging the IT departments at Rochford District Council, Castle Point Council, Braintree Council and Colchester Council.
One department would then look after the IT at all four authorities.
Estimated suggest councils could save hundreds of thousands of pounds as a result of the move.
Castle Point, for example,could save at least £300,000 a year.
Jeffrey Stanley, deputy leader of Castle Point Council, said: “The idea is all the councils will use the same computer software and back-up servers.
“Things like e-mail systems will be the same.
“There would be huge economies of scale benefits if we go ahead with the merger.”
The move came as councils battle to cut their budgets.
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