DORSET County Council is facing a massive shake-up to ensure that it is 'fit for the future'.

Consultants working with the council have recommended it reduces bureaucracy, uses its buildings better and brings services closer to communities to make better use of taxpayers' money.

The major programme to make county council services more customer-focused and better value for money will be considered by its cabinet today.

The proposed three-year programme - called 'Fit for the Future' - has been drawn up by the county council in partnership with consultants Deloitte.

The discussions will be held behind closed doors but county council chief executive David Jenkins said: "Both our customers and independent inspectors tell us we provide excellent services, but Dorset County Council needs to keep striving to meet their increasing expectations.

"Building a council fit for the future is one of our key aims.

"We want to be able to provide the very best services possible, within the money available to us, while also of course being a good employer."

Success Angus Campbell, leader of the council, said: "We have brought in top consultants Deloitte to help us draw up a framework to build on Dorset's success.

"The result is the Fit for the Future Programme and at its heart is a drive to make sure our services are excellent value for money.

"Deloitte have asked us searching questions about the way we do things and the services we provide.

"They have proposed ways for us to use our buildings better, bringing services closer to communities, reduce bureaucracy, empower our staff and make even better use of council taxpayers' money by improving the way we buy things.

"Although Dorset County Council already consults regularly with local people, we intend to focus even more on our customers, listening to what people want and giving them a say in how we provide services.

"As Hazel Blears, the new Communities Minister, said last week, the best experts on local communities are local communities themselves."