Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary have pledged their commitment to investigate the potential to combine support services - saving money and protecting and improving frontline services.

Amid unprecedented challenges in the face of reduced levels of Government funding and additional operational pressures, all three organisations have begun programmes which will transform and develop new and innovative ways of working. Identifying opportunities for efficiencies and service improvements through greater joint working and sharing of resources is key to this.

The three organisations will now explore ways to work together more closely to share support services, which will include areas such as information technology, human resources, finance, procurement, legal and property management. A detailed business case will be developed to this effect for each of their authorities to review and make a final decision upon.