MULTI-purpose community hubs dealing with a range of council services could be created across Dudley borough as part of invest-to-save plans set out by the cash-strapped authority.

Council bosses – tasked with saving £21 million over the next three years – are also planning to increase customer and staff self-service by using more digital technology.

Non-essential council buildings will also be sold off.

The Transforming for the Future report will go before a meeting of council’s cabinet next Thursday (December 3) when councillors will be asked to agree to set aside £2 million to fund the plans to help plug a £50 million shortfall in funding.

A transformation team will be set up and a “strategic partner” could also be taken on to drive forward the changes.

A full review of all council and wider public sector buildings across the borough will also be carried out under the proposals, which will identify suitable locations for the community hubs and highlight property which could be sold.

A council spokesman said this would bring in additional council income whilst providing regeneration opportunities for private investors.

The council hopes the hubs, which will also feature partner organisation services, will help make communities “more resilient and self-sufficient” so there is less reliance on council services in the way they have been delivered up to now.

Services such as children’s centres, housing, community safety as well as police, fire and voluntary sector services could all be provided at the hubs, which would also feature digital self-service facilities.

The spokesman said digital investment would also create simplified, automated processes across council departments and would also include the development of an improved website.

Council leader Councillor Pete Lowe said: “The financial challenges we face due to the national cuts are massive but by working together with our community we know we can establish services which will help people to be more self-sufficient.

“Whilst we will continue to make service savings where possible and encourage an ‘every penny counts’ culture at the authority we are also keen to explore this bigger and more innovative approach which we hope can generate tens of millions of pounds worth of savings.”