Contact Us
Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
Manchester
M12 6FZ
Tel: 0161 276 9300
Fax: 0161 276 9301
Email: info@vsnw.org.uk
Democratic participation
North West alienated from local democratic processes
Recent Government evidence suggests that people feel particularly alienated from local democracy in the North West. Low electoral turn-out supports this.
An opinion poll conducted for Communities and Local Government in February 2008 showed that, in the North West:
- nearly seven out of ten people do not feel that they are given an adequate say in how local council services are run
- 98% believe that their councils could be more accountable
- more than four out of ten people do not feel that councillors are representative of their communities
- six out of ten people do not believe that councillors adequately reflect their views.
This evidence was seen to corroborate key context assumptions behind the Empowerment White Paper, Communities in Control: real people, real power (9 July 2008).
Data sources (February 2008):
Featured Event
Influencing Parliament with the Communities and Local Government Select Committee
As part of the Parliamentary Outreach and VSNW 'Get Involved' series of events, this event will explore:
►What Parliament is and what it does
►How groups can effectively engage with Parliament
►Insights from a Specialist Clerk from the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee
Latest News
Job opportunity: Sustainable Neighbourhoods Action Group strategic engagement worker
SNAG is looking for a highly motivated and proactive individual to deliver a project which aims to help community and voluntary groups get more involved in decision-making on a range of sustainability issues in Manchester.
Win £50,000 to improve your are
People’s Millions is a competition from the National Lottery to help you improve your area.
Listen Value Invest campaign is launched at the Houses of Parliament
The Listen Value Invest campaign was launched in a special event at the Houses of Parliament last week.
Events & Trainings
VSNW’s list of events & training opportunities for VCS groups in the North West
