AN initiative to cut costs and improve efficiency has won Somerset County and Taunton Deane Councils an outstanding achievement award.

Southwest One – a joint venture with IBM, involving the two authorities and Avon and Somerset Police Authority – received the honour from the Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government.

The award was for its tactical procurement programme and other initiatives that benefit the effective buying of goods and services.

The overall contract target for savings from Southwest One is £200 million over 10 years.

It aims to provide cost savings and improved efficiency in the delivery of services in areas such as customer services, workforce development, purchasing and the management of the members shared IT systems.

Cllr Sam Crabb, Somerset County Council’s portfolio holder of strategic resources and finance, said: “We’re delighted that this groundbreaking change in our operating procedures has been recognised so quickly.

“The achievements of Southwest One are good news for Somerset and the council tax payers.”

Deane leader Cllr Ross Henley said: “We’re now starting to reap the rewards from the partnership which is good news for our local community.

“We look forward to further savings and improvements to front-line services.”