local democracy revisited

© Urban Forum 2011 

The coalition government has decided to make its Big Society and localism plans a major cornerstone for policy, with numerous proposals coming through which aim to devolve power from central to local government and from local government to communities. But what does this mean for local councillors? What is the place for local representative democracy in a rapidly changing policy environment?

Throughout autumn 2010, Urban Forum ran a series of workshops relating to councillors leading on empowering and engaging with communities. "Local democracy revisited: The changing role of local councillors" investigates attendees' attitudes and opinions about how new government initiatives such as localism affect local councillors and how their roles are increasingly changing. The report delves into how councillors can contribute in the agendas surrounding working with communities, the changes to local democracy, community rights, and planning reforms.

Councillors are a vital part to thriving local democracy, and "Local Democracy Revisited" illustrates the ways in which they can utilise their role to provide democratic accountability and representation to localism initiatives.