COUNCIL chiefs in York want to modernise the controversial executive system which has been branded "undemocratic" by the authority's Labour leader.

City of York Council will attempt to introduce new safeguards which will include members of all parties in decision-making.

Leader Rod Hills said it was an attempt to modernise the system which the authority has been forced to introduce.

"We are stuck in a ridiculous position after the Government's introduction of executive systems," he said.

"Key decisions are now made by the executive, not the full council. That is a nonsense and it is undemocratic.

"We are looking for a way to change that while keeping within rules set by the Government."

The executive is made up only of Labour party members.

The proposal is for a cross-party advisory panel which would debate issues set to go before the executive.

"This would reflect the council's party balance, and would advise on key issues," said Coun Hills.

"That advice would reflect the will of the council, and the majority will of the council needs to prevail.

"We are trying to keep within the rules of the Government's executive system, but incorporate a system which would reflect the will of the council. It would be much more democratic, and that is expected by the people of the city." The system would also incorporate "backbench" councillors more in the decision-making process.

In an internal Labour group document leaked to the Evening Press last year, it was claimed the Government-imposed shake-up of the council had caused divisions among party members.

The document stated that non-executive members felt disenchanted, while those in the executive had a massive workload.

The system was also criticised by Liberal Democrats, who claimed decisions were being made behind closed doors.

Liberal Democrat leader Steve Galloway said today: "We would rather have an updated committee system similar to what we used to have, but we have no choice because the Government has dictated that we need to change.

"There has been some really deep thought given to what's wrong with the present system, and it is hoped that these new proposals will create more involvement for all members."

The annual meeting on Thursday will also appoint executive members for the next year.

Updated: 11:36 Monday, May 20, 2002