DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott has praised Lancashire County Council for pointing the way forward for almost 500 other councils.
Of all the councils in England and Wales, it is Lancashire that leads the way when it comes to "citizenship" initiatives schemes which help local people to feel involved in council business.
Its webcasts allow Lancashire residents to witness county council meetings without having to travel to County Hall.
And a Cabinet in the Community scheme involves senior councillors answering questions direct from the public in community venues around the county.
County leader Hazel Harding said: "It is a great vote of confidence in Lancashire County Council that measures developed here have been singled out for praise."
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