AREA committees could be set up next year to advise Calderdale Council on what it needs to do.
Four groups of councillors, each representing about 50,000 residents, would also be used a sounding board for new initiatives.
"This is something that we have been pressing for since the council was formed," said Liberal Democrat group leader Jane
t Battye.
"We see area forums really getting to the bottom of what people want but they must not become talking shops."
In some areas, forums have become "mini councils", responsible for delivering services and decision-making.
"We want Calderdale Council to move in this direction," said Coun Battye (Calder).
Cabinet members have recommended that forums should be set up next summer and reviewed after a year.
Their job initially would be to "focus on the advisory and consultative aspects of citizenship engagement and locality working." The idea will be put to the next full meeting of the council in December with a view to the forums being set up after April 2008. They would meet about five times a year.
A council survey earlier this year showed a majority of people want to know more about how the council makes decisions and to have greater involvement.
"The forums will provide systematic opportunities for residents to raise local issues, for public service providers to consult on and be held to account for delivering services and for consultation to take place on new developments," according to community services director Kirsten England, in a report to councillors.
Panel Areas* Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Luddenden Foot, Ryburn
* Illingworth, Mixenden, Northowram, Shelf, Ovenden, Warley
* Sowerby Bridge, Skircoat, Town, Park
* Brighouse, Rastrick, Elland, Greetland and Stainland, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe.
The full article contains 287 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
