COUNCILS are frequently criticised for taking decisions affecting the lives of thousands without proper consultation.

Services are drastically altered or costs increased and yet too often the 'victims' of the changes get to play no part in the decision-making process and feel they have been ignored.

Lancashire County Council's closure of old people's homes and Blackburn with Darwen Council's recent increase in fees for care services are examples that have caused widespread anger.

Another idea that seems almost certain to cause controversy is the council's plan to bring in flat 50p each way charges for school bus trips regardless of the length of the journey. Opposition councillors claimed that the flat fee would put children at risk because many parents would not be able to afford it. Their youngsters would then be forced to walk to and from school.

Now after the opposition called the decision in for further discussion Coun Andy Kay has said he is to write to all schools asking for opinions while implementation is delayed, initially by a month.

"If there is evidence that this decision will cause problems, then we will try to amend it," he says.

This attempt to canvass views on an important matter is a step in the right direction. And by taking it the ruling group have effectively put themselves in a position where they will have to act on the feedback they receive.