Vol. 481 No. 4
47 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the additional powers, if any, it is intended to restore to elected members of local authorities to meet the commitment given in An Action Programme for the Millennium to remove the democratic deficit. [16222/97]
As set out in An Action Plan for the Millennium I am committed to renewing our local government system. An enhanced role for elected members will be central to this renewal. The establishment of strategic policy committees in local authorities will enhance the essential policy making role of elected members. I intend to issue guidelines on the introduction and operation of strategic policy committees to local authorities shortly. The programme of renewal will be underpinned by a substantial body of legislation, which I will be bringing before the House in due course. The question of an expanded role for elected members will also be considered in this context.
