A Government pledge to put power in the hands of the people could become a reality within the next year.

Social Services Minister Nelson Bascome last night confirmed that civil servants were drafting new legislation to give more responsibility to the Island's nine parish councils.

And Mr. Bascome added elections for the 12 seats on each council could be held next year.

One of Government's pre-election promises was to revitalise the old parish vestry system to give local residents a bigger voice on issues unique to their own community.

"The parish councils have been functioning at a quieter level but one of the things we wanted to do is have a number of people who were saying that things should be happening and things should be done,'' Mr. Bascome said.

"This is an excellent opportunity to get involved -- in a quasi political way -- in helping your community.

"In our election platform we said we would be moving for the election of parish councils. We want to encourage people in the community to become more involved in the process of taking care of their parish.

"The purpose of councils will be not only for the benefit of rest homes but to look at such things in the parish such as registering derelict land, dealing with school boards and dealing with crossings and continuing some of the good work that they have been doing.

"The elections won't take place for at least another year. Right now we are carrying out a paper to get the Parish Council Act amended. That's going to amend the functions of the councils to make them more accountable.

"I know that the paper has been drafted but I don't know whether it will get through this session of Parliament.

Anyone who can prove that they live in a particular parish will have the right to stand for election in that parish, when elections do finally go ahead.