11 December 2011 Last updated at 10:12 ET

Derbyshire council buying group grows in Nottinghamshire

A system where three district councils in Derbyshire save money by joining services is going into Nottinghamshire.

Since 2007, the Shared Procurement Unit (SPU) between North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Bolsover is estimated to have saved £2.5m.

Officials said it had brought benefits with large contracts such as waste collection, IT software and transport.

Ashfield District Council has already signed up the SPU with Mansfield planning to join shortly.

Officials also said the SPU had also provided an opportunity to share best practice.

Bob Truswell, head of the SPU, said: "The unit has been running since 2007 to provide a procurement service to these three neighbouring councils, and enjoying big success in a relatively short amount of time.

"We're delighted to welcome two new authorities on board, which will give the unit even greater buying power to build on this success - helping all five councils achieve savings at a time when local government budgets are under massive pressure."