DEVOLUTION is coming to South Ribble as council bosses take the most demanding local government legislation in 25 years by the scruff of the neck.

The borough has laid down revolutionary plans in response to the government's White Paper, Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People - which promise a drastic shake-up of South Ribble's political structure.

The proposals spell the end of lengthy council committee meetings, with more public participation and consultation in key decisions.

The White Paper has also sparked changes for Preston Borough Council, which has streamlined committees, and the county council, which is aiming to overhaul their committee system.

But neither authorities plan to make such radical changes as South Ribble.

Eight forums will be set up, roughly one in each county council seat, which could have the powers to make judgments on every issue, possibly even deciding how money will be spent.

The degree of power each forum has is currently being determined by a cross-party working committee, which aims to be in a position to start implementing its plans within the next 18 months.

Each forum will pass on its comments to an eight-strong cabinet, headed by the council leader. Every cabinet member will have a portfolio. All-party cabinets will ensure all the work carried out by an area committee can fit in with financial constraints.

A regulatory committee will make planning decisions, considering recommendations from the area committee while a scrutiny committee will keep the cabinet in line.

A Quasi-judicial committee will make legal decision, such as granting licenses, while a standards committee will be the overall 'watchdog'.

Only the full council remains in its present state, rubber-stamping important decisions. Plans to create an elected mayoral post were discarded.

Council leader Gina Lewis said: "We believe this will allow us to gauge more public opinion and get voters involved more.

"A framework will be in place to make sure decision can be checked to make sure they fit within our financial plans and also with the council's strategy."

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