The Power Commisssion is made up of experts from a range of backgrounds. They are seeking evidence from as wide audience as possible and all contributions are welcomed. They are taking evidence at a range of regional events and inviting submissions from interested people. There is more information about the Inquiry on their website at www.powerinquiry.org



Given the strong links between participation and regeneration, Urban Forum thinks that you have considerable knowledge about community involvement in decision-making in regeneration to share. We have therefore prepared a short questionnaire, based on the Inquiry’s overall aims, to gather experience and perspectives from the VCS. We will seek to gather and collate response and feed them into the Inquiry. So if you feel you have something to say about participation in politics, based on your experience please answer the following questions and email responses to  participation@urbanforum.org.uk by the 24th June.



Questions



1. Membership of political parties has been declining. How can political party membership and allegiance be made more attractive? Are there more effective ways of involving people in politics than through Parties?





2. Where should decisions be made? Some people think local councils should be given more power; others claim that the influence of unelected bodies like companies, international organisations and appointed authorities is too great and needs to be balanced by greater powers for elected representatives. Would greater powers for local councils, devolved institutions and our elected representatives encourage more people to get involved in politics? Would such change help more people feel more confident about the possibility of influencing political decisions?





3. Some people claim that the media breeds cynicism about politics and politicians which discourage political interest and involvements. Is this true? If so, how can the media play a positive role in encouraging political involvement?





4. The number of people voting in both general and local elections has declined. What changes would encourage a larger number of people to feel it is worth voting?





5. Is voting enough? Some people argue that in today’s world people can and should have a direct say over policy-making. Would more opportunities to do this, through referendums, internet forums and public meetings, attract participants and would they encourage greater trust in what politicians do?





6. Some groups in society are less likely to vote than other (e.g. black and minority ethnic groups, young people etc). What would encourage greater political involvement by the groups that are least involved with politics?





7. Is there anything further about participation and engagement in democracy you would like to add?



Urban Forum

E-Mail:  participation@urbanforum.org.uk Web: www.urbanforum.org.uk
Tel: 020 7253 4816 Fax: 020 7253 4817