PLANS to revolutionise South Ribble Borough Council have been backed by local councillors.

At a meeting of the policy and resources committee this week, councillors gave their approval to the far-reaching plans, which could see power shifted way from large committees to grass-roots community forums based in South Ribble's many districts.

As the Citizen revealed a fortnight ago, the devolution plans could be implemented before the end of the year, bringing to an end lengthy council committee meeting, and introducing more public participation and consultation on local issues.

The issues discussed at community forums would then be passed on to an all-party cabinet which, in turn, would pass the plans on to full council for rubber stamping, if they fit within the council's financial constraints.

Separate regulatory committees will decide issues such as planning, licensing and grants.

Councillors gave the plans a cautious welcome, with Coun David Wooldridge saying: "At the moment, these are the bare bones.

"There is a lot of flesh to be applied to them and a lot of consultation will need to take place before a final plan is put in place."

He added that the number of people on each of the regulatory committees and the number of times a year they meet are still open to discussion.

Council leader Gina Lewis, who chaired the meeting, said: "This is the way forward and a plan which should impress everyone involved. It will give the public more input."

Councillors backed the recommendation to approve the new structure and to allow for appropriate consultation to be carried out.

The existing council structure will remain until the end of the year, when it is hoped the council will be in a position to launch its new structure.

A new draft constitution is also being prepared for councillors to discuss at a later date.

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