As part of Local Democracy Week 2017, we shared some of the learning from our "Growing a stronger local democracy" report in a Policy Cafe event in Huddersfield, organised by the LGiU.

1. Growing a stronger local democracy,
from the ground up
Carl Whistlecraft, Head of Democracy for Kirklees Council

2. Kirklees Democracy Commission

3. Our mission...
“By 2020 Kirklees is an informed citizen-led democracy
with accountable elected representatives
who enable communities to influence and affect
decisions governing their lives.”

4. Roadshows and public inquiries
July to October 2016

5. Discussions and deliberations
November to December 2016 – Group discussions
January to February 2017 – Deliberations
March to April 2017 – Report writing

6. Preview evenings for citizens
April 2017

7. Kirklees Democracy debate
10th May 2017

8. We’ve heard evidence from 1,000 people
● Public events
● Discussion groups
● Public inquiries
● Online surveys
● Political groups
● Visits to councils
● Web and social media
850 Kirklees citizens took part

10. Active citizens in civic society
• We need a life-long approach
to active citizenship.
• We are strongly aware of our
responsibility to young citizens.
• Citizens of all ages want
political and civic education.

11. Local democracy in a networked society
• We all need to be part of the
conversation, to be connected.
• Citizens are not customers.
• Can we have real time democracy?
• Digital tools help ordinary citizens
to get their voices heard.

12. Councillors
• Our citizens value councillors but
don’t full understand what they do.
• Citizens want more direct contact
with their local councillors.
• It’s a changing and challenging role.
• Where are our future councillors?

13. Decision-making
• Conversations, not consultations.
• One size does not fit all – citizens
want to have a menu of options.
• Share the how, not just the what.
• We should say “we’re open for
business and you’re welcome”.

14. Elections
• Elections are an area of growth.
• Local elections are important.
• Registration is a vital first step.
• Voters want to know who their
candidates are & where they stand.
• Votes at 16.

15. Regional devolution
• Local identity matters.
• Citizens need to know more.
• Councillors should lead the dialogue.
• We need democratic accountability.
• We need the different levels of our
democracy to connect.

16. What I’ve learned
It’s really hard, but…
People are interested, care and want to help
You can’t do this without a great team
It’s all about the planning – use the tools and brief properly
It’s great for cross service working
Transparency is the way to go
Maintaining focus and pace is tough
Local democracy does still matter
The hardest bit it still to come

17. It’s all about what happens next
• Growing understanding
• Growing relationships
• Growing a stronger local democracy
"This is the start of a long term thing.
Change doesn’t happen like magic.”
- Kirklees Youth Councillor

18. Our evidence
www.democracycommission.org.uk/our-evidence
Follow us on twitter
@kirkdemocracy
Email:
carl.whistlecraft@kirklees.gov.uk