DECISIONS taken by Worcestershire County Council are to come under greater analysis - and the public are being encouraged to get involved.

A series of six scrutiny panels shadowing each cabinet member's work are due to begin their investigating in earnest today when the public are given their first chance to e-mail views on what should be investigated.

The panels are similar to Westminster's select committees, with one each for education, resources, environment, health and social services and one which deals with specific issues as they arise.

The councillor in charge of the process is adamant that the panels will not become bureaucratic talking shops and will respond to the public's suggestions.

"I feel strongly that this isn't work being taken by just backbenchers, I want to see a link with cabinet members so they know from the outset what is being looked at," said Councillor John Buckley.

"They've got to get their hands dirty to find out what's really going on and relate that back to the cabinet and council," added Coun Buckley, chairman of the steering group which oversees the process and meets this morning to confirm the panels' agendas.

"As a steering group we'll be meeting with the chairmen to consider the issues that people feel passionate about. We also want to encourage members of the public and bodies to come forward and e-mail recommended topics to us."

The leader of the council, Coun George Lord, gave a guarded welcome to the new system. "Let's make it clear what scrutiny is about - it evaluates a particular topic and comes out with advice. It's entirely up to the cabinet how it takes that on board," said Coun Lord.

"But everything will be considered. We are trying to set up a more rational system than we've had in the past. Let's face it, anyone who doesn't take advice is a bit foolish and I'll certainly be doing my best to do that."