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12 March 2009 / Jonathan Wragg
Issue: 7360 / Categories: Features , Local government , Public
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Power to the people

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How can the government encourage greater public engagement? asks Jonathan Wragg

It is fair to say that local government matters do not tend to fire the imagination of the general public. Frequently, electors’ views are only made known when something is about to be closed—such as a residential care home or a school. This apathy is reflected in the turnout at local government elections which has been falling steadily in recent years.

Research commissioned by the government suggests that voters are more likely to be interested in matters that affect them directly. With this in mind, the government has introduced a number of measures giving electors greater powers to become involved in matters that interest them and that they have the power to change.

Powers of the public
e-petitions

The government has been quick to recognise that if it seeks to secure greater public engagement in respect of the democratic process it need look no further than the prime minister’s website. The ability to create online e-petitions on www.number10.gov.uk has been a

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