AN East Lancashire council is one of the first in the country to benefit from a new hit squad of government staff being sent in to cut red tape.

The Department of Health hopes to release £6.45billion from councils across the country to plough into front line services within social services departments.

The scheme began today, with Blackburn with Darwen Council one of the first in the country to be targeted. It has a strong track record in improving social services -- and ministers hope extra, released cash will prove they can continue improving.

The Care Services Efficiency Delivery programme was established after recommendations by the Gershon Independent Review of Public Sector Efficiency. It aims to develop a partnership with local councils to improve the quality of services for vulnerable adults and deliver efficiency gains back to frontline services.

The CSED team will work to establish better working between health providers -- such as hospitals, doctors and social services -- to help save cash.

Health minister Stephen Ladyman said: "These visits represent a key stage in helping councils to improve the quality of services for vulnerable adults.

"It is not about cuts but about long-term investment in high quality frontline services. However, there will be no 'one size fits all' solutions. Councils and the programme teams will work together to put in place systems to suit local service needs.

"By drawing on the diverse experience of service users, providers, local councils and the NHS the Care Services Efficiency Delivery Programme will be uniquely well placed."

Unions have expressed concern such moves will lead to job cuts.