FOUR largely rural local authorities working together to save money have been awarded £2.9m in government funding.

The four councils said the funding would enable them to work together effectively while still retaining political independence and decision-making powers.

The 2020 Vision programme involves Cheltenham Borough, West Oxfordshire, Cotswold and Forest of Dean district councils.

Through joined-up working, the four councils want to create new shared staffing and management arrangements, and deliver high quality services which generate considerable savings for the 400,000 residents they serve.

The £2.9m is on top of £900,000 already allocated to the partnership by the government.

In total, 73 local authorities will receive a share of £89.4m from the Transformation Challenge Fund, said local government minister Kris Hopkins.

The government has made the money available to local authorities to support the costs of working in partnership and to support the design of more efficient ways of delivering local services.

The latest share of money will help to fund further development of joint working.

This will include exploring the setting up an ICT infrastructure to support technology across each of the four councils and expanding depot services for local waste collection.

Work will also continue to progress joint working for public protection and regulatory services between three of the partner councils.

The programme is subject to approval at each of the four councils' cabinet meetings, taking place next month.