SHORTER meetings, quicker decision making and a new post dedicated to young people - welcome to City of York Council's new constitution.

But critics have branded the authority's new rules and regulations as "less democratic", after they were passed at a special council meeting.

The result of several months of work by council officers, the highlights of the new constitution include:

Shorter council meetings - with more reports in writing

New executive member positions - with planning and transport replaced by city strategy, and a new executive member for social inclusion and youth

Fewer advisory meetings, reducing officer time and costs

A new role for scrutiny, disconnected from the advisory meeting process with ad hoc panels set up to deal with issues proposed by councillors

Council leader Steve Galloway said the new constitution did not represent a "revolutionary approach" but "builds on the strengths of existing practice".

Today he said: "I am pleased that we have passed this important milestone. Residents can expect to see a quicker decision-making process with councillors able to devote more time to driving improvements in their own wards.

"The new constitution means that the council is fully compliant with modern requirements."

But Green group leader Andy D'Agorne said he felt the public would be less able to see the council's decision processes.

"It is going to be less democratic, and there will be less opportunity for backbench councillors and the public to see what's going on in the decision-making process and that's a concern," he said.

Labour group leader Dave Merrett said his party was angry at the way some proposals had been "forced through", despite objections.

He said: "I am extremely angry at the way the Lib Dems have conducted themselves over this issue. As usual they have completely ignored any of the substantial arguments put forward in the meeting and steamrollered through their own changes regardless.

"This is perhaps to be expected from a group that continually fails to listen to others and shows little regard for anyone who tries to question their actions.

"Unfortunately, it is the people of York who will suffer because we now have a constitution where proper debate and scrutiny will be minimised and the proper checks and balances on their policies and decision making therefore undermined."

Updated: 09:37 Wednesday, May 03, 2006