Laura Sharman 18 April 2017

Combined authorities risk being 'preserve of men' finds report

Nearly all (93%) of senior positions in the new combined authorities will be appointed to white men, new research has revealed.

A report from the Electoral Reform Society warns English devolution risks becoming a ‘plaything of the old boys’ club’.

From City Hall to Citizens' Hall: Democracy, Diversity and English Devolution found that only two cabinet members of all six new combined authorities will be women, and only one will be from a Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background.

It also predicts that just one female mayoral candidate is likely to win next month.

‘Parties have dropped their guard when it comes to diversity and democracy in the new combined authorities,’ said Katie Ghose, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society.

‘With 93% of the most powerful posts being controlled by men, these institutions risk magnifying the problems of representation that already exist in local government. And many of the new institutions will effectively be “one-party states”, with mayors held to account by their own party colleagues.’

‘It’s concerning to see the most powerful positions in these new authorities being dominated by the “usual suspects”. Many of these authorities risk magnifying the problems of local one-party states, with all sorts of risks for scrutiny and accountability.

‘These new bodies can’t be allowed to be the preserve of the old boys’ club – with the new mayors and cabinet members often being the same as those who previously had power, only with less accountability.’

The ERS is calling for candidates and the new mayors to base scrutiny committees on vote share rather than seat share, adopting proportional representation via the Single Transferable Vote for local elections, implementing a ‘Transparency Charter’, and experimenting with new forms of democracy such as citizens’ assemblies.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairment

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairmen... Twickenham, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 to £34,434.00, Grade 7.
We are looking for a Full-Time Children's Residential Worker to join our team at Clarence Children's Home in Wakefield Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Community Development Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Development Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Telecare Responder

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 to £31,022 per annum
Could you respond to emergency calls, gain access and administer first aid if necessary? Could you assist in the provision of an equitable Countywide Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Team

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid TeamPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner