Dan Peters 17 June 2021

Virtual meetings have boosted local democracy, survey finds

Virtual meetings have boosted local democracy, survey finds image

Nine in 10 councils believe local democracy has improved as a direct result of online council meetings, a survey has found.

Some 74% of councils reported higher public attendance due to meetings being held online while 72% said citizens and communities wanted to engage more, according to the survey by the Speakers’ Corner Trust charity.

Almost two out of three councils (64%) said they thought COVID-19 had had a net positive impact on local democracy.

Chair of Speakers’ Corner Trust, Louise Third, said: ‘This piece of research shows that some good has come out of the changes imposed on councils by the pandemic.

'Now they must be allowed to continue to adapt and develop different ways to bring more people into decision-making.

'There must be no going back.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief of Staff

Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
up to £126,615
We’re transforming services with ambition and community at the heart of our work. Norfolk
Recuriter: Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council
Linkedin Banner