WARRINGTON Borough Council could have more power to tackle problems if proposals being outlined by the Liberal Democrats gain support.

The party's conference in September is expected to back plans that have been put forward by Lib Dem officials.

In a policy paper, Your Community, Your Choice, the Liberal Democrats call for local councils to be given general powers to tackle any problem regarded as important by the community it serves.

They want business rates to be set by local government and for council taxes to be replaced by a local income tax based upon the ability to pay.

And the idea has already gained support from Warrington Euro-MP Chris Davies who says local councils should have more control over their finances.

He said: "He who pays the piper calls the tune, and this is why local government in Britain is so powerless. Almost all of its money is controlled by central government.

"You can love the way the local council is run, or you can hate it, but it is always better to have decisions taken by people elected locally than by civil servants in London who know nothing about this area."

Britain is regarded by many as the most centralised state in Europe, with a large proportion of power concentrated in central government.