FIVE policy development groups are to be set up by Fenland District Council. The move is aimed at ensuring all councillors are kept informed of council business and are able to take part in policy decisions. The decision to establish the groups was taken

FIVE policy development groups are to be set up by Fenland District Council.

The move is aimed at ensuring all councillors are kept informed of council business and are able to take part in policy decisions.

The decision to establish the groups was taken by the full council last Thursday, ratifying a decision by the cabinet earlier the same day.

Councillor Geoff Harper, the council leader, told councillors he hoped the groups, to meet at least quarterly and not be open to the public, would "refine the decision-making process".

Councillor Fred Yeulett, deputy leader, said: "I welcome these proposals and hope they lead to a better democratic process."

The five policy groups will be: Community First, dealing with customer issues, information and the council's sports, leisure and community facilities; Streets Ahead, dealing with streetscape issues; Open for Business, promoting the growth of local businesses and developing Fenland's economy; Quality Organisation: to enhance the council's capacity to deliver local people's priorities; Decent and Affordable Homes, to contribute towards provision of such homes for local residents.