THE introduction of a cabinet system of decision-making has been perhaps the single biggest change to the operation of local government during the past decade.

Some hail it as a way of putting decision-making into the public arena; others see it as an undemocratic system that neuters the vast bulk of elected councillors.

Firmly in the latter camp, as we report today, is Councillor Bob Peachey. He is standing down from the council after 20 years and has delivered a parting shot at the cabinet system.

Having experienced both the committee and cabinet systems Councillor Peachey says he is firmly in favour of the former. Whether in or out of power, the Labour stalwart says the old system meant he had a voice in the decision-making process.

The cabinet system, he says, concentrates power in the hands of its seven members, leaving the rest of the council with little or no input, unless they are members of the planning committee.

It is an interesting point and we would be keen to hear the views of other councillors.

The cabinet system has undoubtedly made decision-making more transparent in local authorities dominated by one political party.

In such councils, decisions used to take place behind the closed door of party meetings and then rubber-stamped at committee meetings. But closely fought councils, such as Worcester, need a system in which leading members of the authority - whether part of the ruling party or not - have a say in the decision-making process.