EVERY voter in Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Menston, and Addingham is being urged to have their say on how Bradford Council should be managed in the future.

Nearly 455,000 electors in the whole of the district are being sent a questionnaire on how top decision-making is carried out by the council, and chief executive Ian Stewart has urged people to help shape the future of local government in the district by filling them in and returning them.

He said: "These changes could alter the whole face of local government in the district and the council is commtted to consulting as widely as possible before making a decision about which model to choose.

"I would urge everyone to read the questionnaire carefully and fill it in. Your view will make a difference."

The council has provided a Freepost envelope to return the questionnaire which is part of a wide-ranging consultation on the Government's plans for the modernisation of local government.

New legislation mans that every council needs to choose one of three top management models. The choices are between an elected mayor and

cabinet; leader and cabinet or elected mayor and council manager.

The questionnaire spells out how these would work and asks people for their views on which option would be best for Bradford.

It also asks for views on whether more decisions could be made at a more local level through area panels or parish councils.

The council's consultation, which started in February, has also involved discussion with local residents at 90 neighbourhood forums, focus groups, parish councils and other community organisations.

Questionnaires have also been sent to business and voluntary sector groups. Secondary schools and youth centres have been involved and a survey has also been conducted with the council's Speakout panel.

Information is also available on the council's web site and adverts have been placed in local newspapers and on radio stations.

The results of the full consultation will be summarised in a report to

the council's executive committee in May.

In June the full council will make a decision on which model to adopt

and, if the model includes an elected mayor, there will be a district-wide

referendum, which would probably take place in the autumn.

The Government's modernization timetable says the new arrangements must be in place by May 2002.