Whatever the outcome of discussions over control of the city council, it seems likely that the Liberal Democrats will be in the driving seat.

One policy they will be aiming too implement is to devolve more power and money to area committees.

We are not big fans of neighbourhood committees. They get bogged down in planning matters most of which are more appropriately dealt with by properly constituted planning committees and they are prone to decision by clique.

As we have said, the council is in need of firm political management. Devolving more power down to a series of area committees is unlikely to help matters.