Building sub-national government
The implications of Scotland’s independence referendum – for Cornwall
The publication of the Scottish Government’s White Paper has refocused British political attention north of the border. However, there could be implications elsewhere. Cornwall, too, has always had a strong regional – and indeed national – identity, which could see demands for self-government rise should Scotland opt for the UK’s exit door, according to Peder […]
The recent history of accountability in the English state school system has been one of struggle over meaning and participation
Recent years have seen significant changes in the realm of school accountability. Responding to earlier debate on Democratic Audit, Andrew Wilkins discusses the profound ideological struggles at the heart of reforms. The professionalization of school governance that comes with greater autonomy present a challenge to traditional forms of accountability and may affect engagement with important local […]
The UK Government’s recent approach to the Silk Commission has been inflexibile and unimaginative
The Silk Commission on the future of devolved Government in Wales promises to be a watershed moment in the history of Welsh government, with greater powers for the Welsh Assembly Government a necessary next step in the development of the country’s governance arrangements. Laura McAllister argues that the Government’s approach Silk has been both unimaginative […]
Democracy experts are divided on Lord Stevens’ proposals to reform police accountability
Last week the report of the Independent Police Commission, led by the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner John Stevens and commissioned by the Labour Party, was published. Its recommendations included the abolition of the post of Police and Crime Commissioner – introduced in 2012 to establish a new form of democratic oversight of the police – […]
Should Police and Crime Commissioners be abolished? The Commissioners respond
This week the report of the Independent Police Commission, led by the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner John Stevens and commissioned by the Labour Party, was published. One of its key proposals was for the abolition of the post of Police and Crime Commissioner, introduced in 2012 to establish a new form of democratic oversight of […]
Democratic round-up: the Scottish independence White Paper
Yesterday, the Scottish Government published their 670-page White Paper on Scottish Independence. Democratic Audit’s Sean Kippin takes a look at the best comment, coverage, and reaction to the publication of the document, which has predictably inflamed tempers and attracted criticism from pro-union commentators and politicians on both sides of Hadrian’s Wall. Similar PostsIn order to sustain itself, the UK […]
If the localism agenda is to fulfil its potential, councils need the power of the purse
The specifics of the Coalition Government’s Localism Act, passed to much fanfare almost exactly two years ago, were controversial and yet they did speak to a political consensus about the desirability of moving towards greater autonomy for local government. Writing about the publication of a new IPPR report, Sarah Armitage concludes that if the localism […]
Want a 50% turnout in a local election? Try Neighbourhood Planning
The government has introduced powers for local councils and community organisations to put new neighbourhood plans to a referendum of local voters. Chris Game has studied the referendums that have been held so far, and finds encouraging evidence of public engagement with the process. Turnouts of over 50% in local elections, unless they coincide with […]
One year in, Bristol’s Mayoral experiment is making a difference to the city’s governance
Today, the independent Elected Mayor of Britsol, George Ferguson, gives his first “State of the City” address. One year on from his election, David Sweeting argues that it remains to be seen whether the decision to adopt the new system will lead to higher engagement with local politics, it has already begun a process of […]
William Gladstone might have the answer to the ‘West Lothian’ question
The West Lothian Question has been a constant thorn in the side of devolution efforts for over 100 years. The McKay Commission was tasked with finding a meaningful answer, and finally reported in March 2013. Iain McLean, in reviewing the report, argues policy-makers should revisit a proposal which was explicitly ruled out of the commission’s terms […]
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