Rising council tax has led to protests across Britain

Harrow residents in north-west London discussed whether roads, teachers or libraries should be priorities.

They sat on tables of 10 and gave views by computer - final decisions will be presented to Harrow Council.

Two years ago Harrow residents delayed payments in protest at a 20% hike in council tax.

The assembly idea was a suggestion from the Power Inquiry, which is trying to "re-engage people with local democracy and government".

'Next generation'

Those on the assembly will reflect the age and racial mix of Harrow and each table will have its own "facilitator" - to ensure no-one takes over the debate.

Tessy Akpeki, 17, who is among those taking part, told BBC London: "We are the generation coming up. We are the people who are going to have to live with decisions that are made.

"So if we don't take part in what goes on right now, there's no way we can blame anyone later."

Other experiments in local democracy have seen Croydon hold council tax referendums, where residents were given the chance to vote on lower council tax, or better services.

Hikes in council tax have seen more rebels, including some pensioners hit particularly hard because of their fixed income, going to court for refusing to pay.

The Harrow Council Tax Campaign was formed and some residents cancelled direct debits and standing orders in December 2003.

It is still going strong with a new campaign to debate the cost of the 2012 Olympics to Londoners.