Five London local authorities are combining to create a panel of barristers for the first time, as part of a drive to cut costs.

The London boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow and Hounslow have agreed to come together to appoint 14 rosters of barristers to cover all aspects of local government work.

The process is due to complete by September and the councils have said they are prepared to have up to 15 chambers represented on each panel. Appointments, which are set to last for four years, will be based primarily on fees.