The government has today published plans to give councils the authority to scrutinise all local public services.

It is backing a private members bill by Bury North MP David Chaytor.

Utility companies who dig up roads and cause problems, bus companies, local sports faclities, musuems, libraries, health and safety, and the fire and rescue service, Job Centre Plus would all come under the remit.

Local council scrutiny is currently a Cinderella function of many councils. Liverpool council in particular has had some particularly good panels in recent years that have reported on a whole host of topics.

That councillors, acting on behalf of their residents, should be able to call to account all public services in the area is undoubtedly a good idea.

Whether this will ever make the statute book remains to be seen though, coming so close to a general election that will see Mr Chaytor himself stand down after becoming embroiled in the expenses scandal.