TOWN and parish councils could be given more power to hand out fines under plans for delegated enforcement.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently consulting on how it carries out enforcement – including littering fines and prosecuting unsafe food outlets.

Low level environmental crime could be dealt with by parish councils as part of the changes, following a request from some authorities.

For example, this could include issuing a fixed penalty notice for dog fouling or a registered social landlord issuing a community protection notice to an anti-social tenant.

The consultation covers the types of powers that could be delegated, initially on a pilot basis, and the types of controls that would need to be in place.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, said: “We are keen to strengthen our communities and believe that the responsible delegation of powers could achieve this, providing sensible controls are in place.

"I would like to encourage as many people as possible to get involved with this consultation and have their say on how we should strengthen our communities to help themselves.”

The consultation is open until November 4.

Head to cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/enforcementpolicyconsultation or call 01244 973708 to request a paper copy.