PENDLE Council is to bid for a flagship Government award which marks high standards of efficiency and effectiveness and which benefits local people.

If the move to achieve Beacon Status is successful Pendle will get extra powers and freedom including the ability to raise extra money to invest in the community, more local control over business rates and greater flexibility to experiment with the services it provides.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is one of five authorities already chosen by the Government to take part in a pilot scheme in the near future. Pendle will have to convince the Government it has taken on Labour's modernisation programme for councils, including adopting clear ethical standards, giving "best value" in the delivery of services and bringing its political decision-making process up to date. The pioneering scheme includes policies such as an elected mayor, cabinet-style government in town halls and local referendums.

Councillor Alan Davies, leader of the Liberal-run council, said: "Whilst the authority does not like the proposals for an elected Mayor it has already done a great deal which the Government is proposing in its modernisation agenda.

"For example, the authority has decentralised its decision-making to area committees and taken extensive steps to involve the public in its decision-making."

The council is to review all its services and the way decision are made as part of its Beacon Status bid.

The coveted status, which is expected to last between three and five years after which authorities will have to reapply, will be awarded by an independent advisory panel. It is included in a White Paper on local government, Making a Difference, which is expected to become legislation next year following its inclusion in this year's Queen's Speech.

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