A COUNCIL’S audit office is working with two other authorities in a bid to save thousands of pounds.

From Monday, South Cambridgeshire District Council will share its internal audit back office operations with Cambridge City Council and Peterborough City Council, saving around £10,000 a year.

Councillors agreed plans in April, claiming it would save money and make the service more efficient.

Internal audit is a watchdog to make sure financial processes are as efficient as possible.

The service was previously supplied by accountancy firm RSM Tenon, but under the new shared service Steve Crabtree at Peterborough City Council will be responsible for all three councils.

Cllr Simon Edwards, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for finance and staffing, said: “We are always looking for ways to make our services more efficient and the best value for money possible.

“This shared service is a great example of how we can both save money while at the same time improving how it will operate. The best thing of all is that our residents won’t notice any difference at all apart from knowing we’re making every penny stretch further than ever.”

The district council is also planning to share payroll services with Cambridge City Council whose councillors will consider the proposals at a meeting of the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Committee on July 8.

The new shared service is targeted to be up and running in September.

As audit services are currently ran by a external provider, there will be no redundancies within the council.

If given the go-ahead, payroll service staff will also keep their jobs.