The Leader of the County Council has underlined the commitment of the new authority to improving opportunities for citizens to be heard, and to influence decisions.

A report published this week sets out the options that will be debated in a meeting of the County Council on September 3.

They include proposals to give Parishes, Town Councils and existing community organisations pivotal roles in shaping decisions and services around local needs.

The report incorporates the views of Northumberland's Joint Transition Forum — made up of County and District councillors — and community and Parish Council representatives.

A decision on whether Northumberland should have three or five Area Committees, and what delegated responsibilities they will have, is expected at the meeting.

Coun Jeff Reid, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "The new Council is determined that Northumberland's citizens will have improved opportunities to influence decisions that affect them.

"The introduction of Area Committees and other locality initiatives will deliver this, along with more responsive services and better value for money.

"What we will decide next week will be some of the key details of this. It's an important step, and one that shows we are on our way to a new era of local government in Northumberland."

Also up for discussion is the involvement of forums by local ward councillors in deciding how to spend 'community chest' style budgets on local projects. Councillors are also expected to agree whether detailed consultation with communities on local arrangements across the whole county will start in September.

Scrutiny arrangements and area partnerships will also be discussed at the meeting.

Northumberland's Joint Transition Forum recently considered the proposals. Consultation with community and Parish Council representatives took place prior to the local elections earlier this year.

• The report suggests that in future the County Council uses the term 'Community Forums' rather than 'Belonging Communities', and introduces scope for local variation of names following the outcome of the consultation with local communities in September.

The Council is expected to agree one of the following options for area working:

1). The three areas identified in the unitary submission

• North: Alnwick, Berwick, Morpeth.
• South East: Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth, Cramlington.
• West: Hexham, Haltwhistle, Ponteland and Prudhoe.

Or:

2. Five Area Committees formed on the boundaries of the existing Districts. The Northern Area would be formed as the combined areas of the current Alnwick and Berwick Districts so that there will be a sufficient number of councillors to perform the statutory functions such as local planning.