Encouraging councillors, and more rural impact
21st February 2007, 1:28 pm
A Councillors Commission, to look at how local democracy can be revitalised and made both more representative and more responsive to local people, has been set up by the government. Dame Jane Roberts will lead a 9 month process looking at what barriers are preventing people from becoming councillors and what steps can be taken to get more involved. It will report by November. News item at http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2352. No information on how to provide input yet.
The Commission for Rural Communities is holding its own (connected?) inquiry “to explore the opportunities and challenges for rural councillors and what stands in the way of them doing more to help rural people have greater influence over local decisions.” There is a call for evidence, by 19th May at the latest, at http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk//projects/participationinquiry/overview.