Bucks CC has applied for permission from the Solicitors Regulatory Authority to launch a joint law firm.

Limited company Buckinghamshire Law + will be formed by solicitors from the council and Bucks and Milton Keynes Fire Authority.

The company, which is expected to be in operation by the summer, will serve both authorities, and offer legal services to other councils, emergency services and charities.

Head of the council’s legal services, Anne Davies, said: ‘It’ll enable us to move with the times and operate in the new business environment in which local authorities have begun to operate.

‘We have considerable legal expertise in the legal department and already provide a very cost effective legal service to our respective councils.

‘The move will enable us to offer this to a much greater number of clients.’