The Harlow district council in Essex has turned over the administration of five “discretionary services” to local community groups.  It estimates saving of about £400,000 over the course of three years:

They include the town’s Pets’ Corner zoo, Harlow Museum and Parndon Wood nature reserve.

Harlow Civic Society said it had concerns about their long-term future. The council said it needed to save £1.8m from its 2012/13 budget.

It would continue to fund the services for three years, from its Big Society fund created from a tax rebate, before the local groups took over full ownership.

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