TORY leader William Hague has pledged that a future Conservative Government will allow councils to return to the committee structure abandoned in the recent controversial shake-up of local government.

Mr Hague is also criticising the Government's partial climbdown over council secrecy, saying it does not go far enough to address concerns over public scrutiny on decision-making.

Last week, ministers bowed to months of pressure and insisted new-style cabinets should meet in public when discussing "key" issues.

Richmondshire MP Mr Hague told The Northern Echo that while the move was a step in the right direction, all such meetings should be open to the public.

Mr Hague also praised the Echo's Council Watch campaign, which has been at the heart of the region's protests.

Speaking in his home constituency, he said: "I think it's an improvement and I think it's good that they have backed down from their previous position.

"Now that the Government are in retreat, it is time to press home our advantage and ask them to make the meetings generally open.

"There is a serious danger that these changes could lead to more secrecy in the local government and towards local papers such as The Northern Echo."

But, he added: "I don't think it goes far enough. They are talking about key decisions, but who's going to define the key decisions?

"If key decisions can be taken in the open, why can't other decisions be taken in the open?"

He said the Conservative Party, if elected, would ensure all council cabinet meetings were open to the press.

Mr Hague said: "If councils want to keep their existing structure, that is not to move to cabinet style, then they should be allowed to do so.

"It's very arrogant of the Government that they are forcing them to move to these new structures, whether or not the councils choose to themselves."

"The Government have stopped consulting people about these things."

The Northern Echo's Council Watch campaign has highlighted the potential for problems and mistrust brought about by secret cabinet structures set up by authorities such as Darlington Borough Council and Durham County Council.

He said: "The Echo has run a very good campaign and I applaud the campaign."