A NEW system for the running of Burnley Council will be tried out this year.

Most decisions will in future be taken by a cabinet or executive made up of only a small number of councillors rather than by large committees.

Although the new system does not come into effect until May 2002 in Burnley it will be introduced on a pilot basis from May this year.

A booklet, "Making Burnley More Democratic," has been published, summarising steps taken to consult the public about improving local democracy.

The council carried out consultations involving a mixture of surveys, focus groups and a citizens' jury.

Council leader Stuart Caddy said: "

"We have taken consultation very seriously and have been greatly influenced by the views of more than 1,000 people who took part." The main conclusions were:

the public, and especially younger people, know a lot less about local government than expected.

people want to see less party politics in local government. The cabinet or executive should be politically balanced.

people outside the council with experience and knowledge should have a greater part to play in advising councillors and scrutinising their decisions.

the council should do more to inform people and experiment with new ways of getting people to vote.

a majority of those who have an opinion would like to see an elected mayor with decision-making powers but a significant minority would oppose it.

The booklet is available free from Jerry Smith, a corporate policy unit, Town Hall, Burnley, BB111JA or telephone 01282 477132.