BOLTON Council could soon be given greater power over its finances - and complete freedom to set council tax.

Plans have been revealed by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to give councils more control over its spending as part of local government reform.

Authorities will be able to borrow money and charge for extra services such as CCTV and security patrols.

Businesses may see rates rise to fund local enterprise projects, while councils will be free to abolish reduced rates charged on second homes.

And England's best performing local authorities will have complete freedom to set their own council tax levels, with no Government-imposed capping.

The reforms cannot come soon enough for Bolton's politicians, who have waited years for greater control over their local policies and priorities.

Council leader Bob Howarth says that he is happy with Government policies, but more local control will mean councillors can respond better to people's needs.

He said: "We are hoping to take advantage of this. We are already a pathfinder council and that will give us brownie points."

Bolton is within the top 10 of best run services for housing and social services -- and the authority is expecting to do well when the next league tables are published by the Government. The better it does, the more control it will get over its spending.

Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly said the Bill paves the way for a better quality of life. She said: "Giving councils greater freedom will allow them to improve transport, provide better care for those most in need and make their communities safer and cleaner places to live." The measures are contained in a draft Government Bill.

POWER SWITCH: John Prescott