THE BIGGEST ever shake-up to bring local government closer to the community was discussed this week by Halton Council.

The proposals include new political structures - such as a directly elected mayor and cabinet - to replace the existing committee system.

Halton council leader Dave Cargill welcomed the plans.

Speaking exclusively to the World this week, he said: "Local government as we know it will not exist in the next few years.

"We are looking now at our structure and thinking quite clearly about restructuring along government guidelines.

"Clearly, we will be radically changing the way we do our business. It is an exciting and challenging time."

Shoppers may have a chance to vote electronically in the supermarket as experiments will be held on how local elections are run.

The far-reaching reforms 'In Touch with the People' were published in a white paper by the government in July.

The 100-page document suggests wide ranging changes in the way that local authorities function.

Halton, along with every council in the country, now has to work out ways to implement the proposals.

The government describes the paper as an agenda for change that could take 10 years to effect fully.

"Nevertheless, there is a clear view expressed that the process of change should start now and be persued as vigorously and speedily as possible," members of the policy and resources committee were told on Tuesday.

"No change is not an option for any authority.

"Overall the agenda laid out constitutes the most significant re-organisation of local government for a generation."

A plan for addressing the opportunities and challenges set out in the white paper will be prepared by Halton councillors in the coming weeks and months.

"Members will have to make many significant decisions about the type of authority Halton is to become," a report explained this week.

"There is a need for a debate about the paper to begin as soon as possible."

Chief executive Mike Cuff, in consultation with the chair and vice chair of the policy and resources committee will arrange for all members of the council to be fully briefed on the details of the white paper and its implications.

They were authorised this week to prepare a plan for consideration by members, setting out the priorities for early investigation and decision taking, to ensure Halton's prompt and effective response to the changed agenda.

Cllr Cargill said the proposed new political structures could only be implemented when new legislation is introduced.

He believes polling booths will disappear as people will be encouraged to vote in places like shops and libraries.

"We will be moving away from sticking polling stations in schools and providing facilities in places where people do their business."

Cllr Cargill is confident people will become more interested in council business as local authorities change their financial regulations to fall in line with the rest of Europe.

Residents in many continental countries have a big say in how their councils spend money which is raised locally.

"We would be really and truly accountable if people were dealing with the nitty gritty decisions prioritising financial outlays.

"On the continent, more revenue is raised locally and authorities are judged on how they manage and utilise finances."

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