INNOVATIVE 'Cabinet Council' rule is on its way to the Forest of Dean – and its proposers are seeking comments from the public about its introduction.

Last Thursday the district council gave the go-ahead to proposals that will abolish the traditional bureaucratic committee system and introduce a cabinet of seven councillors and four scrutiny panels.

The new structure will be introduced for a trial period between November 2000 and April 2001.

The proposals will be subject to public consultation. A range of methods will be used to encourage residents to comment on the proposals.

Councillor Bruce Hogan, leader of the council, said: "The Local Government Bill sets out the separation of powers between executive and overview scrutiny roles of councillors.

"Broadly speaking, the executive will take all operational decisions within the policy framework agreed by the council.

"The government has asked councils to look at new models of political management arrangements ahead of this Bill becoming law."

The proposals were drawn up by a cross party working group of members and officers. The framework outlined in the report is for a cabinet of seven members, along with four scrutiny panels of 11 members each. These meetings will be open to the public.

Councillor Hogan said: "The Working Group were keen to build on the current good practice of involving members in policy development and we will be retaining our informal working groups and adapting them for the new system."

Although there are members who have concerns about the proposals, it was recognised that the new system will make the democratic process more responsive.

Councillor Joy Henbest, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "Although I have considerable reservations, I welcome the idea to open up the council meetings for public debate and a truly open question time. I think this will encourage people to participate more fully in the decision making process."

Councillor Hogan said: "It is vital that we engage the public in this debate. The purpose of changing structures is to open up the decision making process and the public need to have ownership of the new system."

Copies of the proposals can be obtained from Simon Harper, democratic services officer, telephone 01594 812621.