06 November 2006 | Helen Gilbert

Councils in England could save up to £20 million if they adopt recommendations in a guide to mailing published last week.

On the Money: How to get a Better Deal in Postal Services has been developed by the Regional Centres of Excellence to help councils reduce their spend.

The recommendations include a business process review to make sure post handling processes are as streamlined and cost effective as possible, and reviewing policies to make sure demand is managed effectively.

It also suggests transferring spend to the best deals available and flags up framework agreements for postal services, such as those negotiated by OGCbuying.solutions and the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation, both of which are open to all local authorities.

The report said: "Why go through the lengthy procurement processes when two respected buying organisations have done the work for you?"

Further On the Money guides will be published for energy, ICT, hardware, telecoms and temporary staff over the coming months.

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