Richmond Council has come closer to establishing a social enterprise company to provide children’s services, following the approval of a cabinet report last week.

Working jointly with Kingston, the council has been investigating the feasibility of providing services for children as part of a plan that could save it £2m.

Officers from both boroughs have been looking at creating an organisation that would operate at arms length of the council, however there may be issues with taxation.

They will ask for relaxation of the particular rule and in the meantime establish a joint service known as Achieving for Children from April 2012, hoping that services can be brought into a joint arrangement by September 2012.

Councillor Christine Percival, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services and culture, said: “We have already agreed that some council services, for example our human resources, audit and legal services be provided jointly with other authorities.

“This is an exciting venture for the council and one that will ensure high quality services and better outcomes for children in Richmond and Kingston.”

At cabinet on Thursday, December 15, members agreed to continue working on these proposals and a further report will go to cabinet in early 2012.