POWER could be coming to the parishes of West Somerset under proposals which could devolve decision making and service delivery to town and parish councils.

West Somerset Council believes devolution of certain services and duties could both save it money and help safeguard services that could otherwise be threatened by central Government funding cuts.

The district council's lead member for finance Cllr Kate Kravis told Wednesday's cabinet meeting it was vital "proper consultation" was held with all parish and town councils as she was aware the issue was likely to prove controversial.

Cabinet members gave their backing to a draft devolution strategy being compiled to enable the council to begin the consultation process.

"We have to approve a strategy to enable that discussion and to start the process," Cllr Kravis said.

"I am keen not to start discussions on this at this stage as I am aware it is very contentious."

The strategy would not contain any set ideas on what could or could not be devolved but would set out consultation proposals and criteria for deciding which service areas might be considered for delegation.

Cllr Jon Freeman said he was concerned parish and town councillors could be tipped over the edge by the district authority's proposal.

He said they were unpaid volunteers, many of whom had a number of other voluntary roles within their communities.

"They will not take kindly to having a huge amount of expensive stuff dumped on them," he said.

"I think this is just a distraction from what we need to do.

"We are simply avoiding talking about job losses or merging with other local authorities.

"Instead, we are looking at the small things to save money and avoiding the bigger issues."

But lead member for executive support and democracy, Cllr Steven Pugsley, said the strategy should be seen as a positive step in the right direction.

"Parishes are by far the best providers of local services," he said.

"I wouldn't want our financial status to be the only driver for this."

Corporate director Bruce Lang said there was some urgency for a decision to be made on the strategy as there was no full meeting of the council scheduled for August and the authority had to face up to the fact it needed to save £600,000 in the next financial year.

Mr Lang said: "Current figures indicate that the council will be facing a significant funding gap over the next few years with a savings target circa £600,000 required from 2011/12 to achieve a legally balanced budget.

"It is, therefore, a matter of great urgency that the council seriously looks to address all areas of potential savings and efficiencies.

"One such area could be through the delegation or devolution of some of its services to parish and town councils."

Finance chief Graham Carne said many local authorities had already given power to parish and town councils as they were run by the communities which directly benefited from the devolved services.

He added: "In West Somerset Council's case, there are a number of services provided to distinct areas of the district where control and financing rests with the council as a whole.

"There is a danger that services cease to be provided at district level through lack of funding from central Government; devolution permits certainty and greater control of services to those receiving them."

Council leader Cllr Tim Taylor said the district council could weaken its case for special treatment from the Government if it was not seen to be helping itself and exploring all avenues in a bid to save money.