Communities may get powers to run services like street cleaning, parks and neighbourhood wardens under new government plans.

Interviewed in the Guardian, John Prescott, said: "This is about a new form of governance for people to play a part in making decisions in... communities, not simply just leaving it to the councillor and the council."

Meanwhile, the Sun says that Prescott is refusing to quit as deputy prime minister after the election.

He has vowed to stay in the role until Tony Blair resigns, the paper reports.