there are few, if any, who can match Pat Watters's knowledge of local government ("Cosla chief in new shared services call", The Herald, March 21) What he says is invariably worth heeding.

And he is right to call for greater emphasis on shared services in Scotland's councils.

Shelter Scotland is working with the Scottish Government and seven councils to host three empty homes officer posts shared across those seven councils.

These posts are focused on bringing empty properties back into use to provide much needed homes.

This gives an opportunity to build up expertise in a much-neglected area of policy, a real chance to share learning among the participating councils and unrivalled value for money for any one council.

It is a pilot for a year but I am confident it will demonstrate the old adage that a problem shared is a problem halved.

Graeme Brown,

Director, Shelter Scotland, Scotiabank,

6 South Charlotte Street,

Edinburgh.