Wolverhampton City Council wants to rebrand itself

But bosses are adamant it will not cost money and will actually save thousands of pounds in the long run as they cut down on stationery and headed paper.

In a report going to councillors entitled 'refreshed visual identity' the council says it wants to change its name to something which 'more clearly expresses the council's status as Wolverhampton's civic and community leader'.

Dropping the word 'council' from its name is the brainchild of managing director Keith Ireland.

And despite the official go-ahead yet to be given, the new 'City of Wolverhampton' branding has already been in use, with banners and a podium at the election counting hall bearing the 'refreshed visuals' last month.

The council is axing thousands of jobs as it tries to save £134 million over five years.

But Labour leader Councillor Roger Lawrence stressed the change of logos and name would not cost the taxpayer anything.

The design has been done in house by council staff and the new signs will be printed and put up as and when old ones need replacing.

He said: "We won't have stacks of letter heads. Instead the logo will just be printed on to blank paper. There won't be compliment slips from individuals. We'll have generic ones.

"There's no need to spend money on this."

Ian Fegan, head of corporate communication, said the change was also part of efforts to enhance pride in the city.

The council report on the changes shows 'Mayor of Wolverhampton' branding will be used for official communications from the Mayor's office, with the 'City of Wolverhampton' logo to be used for dealing with 'key regional, national and international' figures.

Both include the city's coat of arms.

A single colour 'City of Wolverhampton Council' logo, minus the coat of arms, will be used by council officers for day-to-day work to 'keep costs to an absolute minimum'.

The Labour cabinet is recommended to approve the rebrand at its meeting on 23 June.