THREE councils are to join forces to see if they can make their financial services more efficient.

Darlington, Richmondshire and Teesdale councils will investigate working together on such things as collection of council tax and business rates and payment of housing benefits.

Martin Drydale, head of Richmondshire District Council's financial unit, said: "The review will help us to identify how we can work more efficiently and save valuable public money."

Views of contractors, government agencies, IT suppliers and community representatives were sought at a revenue and benefits day organised by the Improvement and Development Agency at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, yesterday.