West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today joined the Communities Secretary in applauding efforts by the county’s local authorities to share services and assets. The MP also offered her continued support to Worcestershire County Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council who are all looking at ways to save money by working together. The support follows statements from Communities Secretary Eric Pickles who has called on local authorities to publicise all of their fixed assets – such as buildings and land. He praised Worcestershire’s Total Place scheme which has been working for some time finding a way to get the best possible use out of publicly-owned buildings. The future of Pershore’s library and Malvern Youth Centre have both been part of the county council’s review of the use of its buildings. Harriett said: “There is current scrutiny on the way councils manage their assets and offer best value to council tax payers. “The County Council has a specific initiative to look at the way it can share services and buildings and is finding a way to sell off unnecessary assets. “Alongside this, Wychavon and Malvern Hills have been working together for sometime to find similar opportunities and they have taken steps towards sharing officers too. “Whilst some councils across the country are hiding behind a smokescreen, our councils are adopting a transparent policy and developing plans to make the most of these difficult times. “The Localism Bill, which will come into force later this year, will encourage councils to act in accordance with the wishes of local people and involve local communities in the decision making process. I welcome our local authorities’s efforts to get ahead of this process and start thinking clearly about a future the best possible services are delivered to local people at the lowest cost.”