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The latest exercise in local democracy is already a fading memory for newly-elected councillors across the country. With the official photograph taken, and myriad acronyms and rules explained, the new intake has already been transported along a giddying conveyor-belt of early meetings and briefings. Now the new members are ready to serve their communities, what kind of adventure can our intrepid local politicians expect? Just like action movie hero Indiana Jones, whose own demographic now neatly aligns with that of the typical councillor – 58, middle-class male – the journey might well be arduous, but perhaps there is a good chance of finding the holy grail of our lost democracy. What of the landscape in which the adventure is set? Minister Hazel Blears surveys a scene of improved delivery in local government. Hence the generosity of the last White Paper, which cut the national indicator set and created the new local area agreements. However, there is unfinished business. Only 38% of the public express confidence in their ability to influence local decisions, and declining faith in local government as an institution is well documented. Local elections aside, electoral turnout remains low. The figures are simply not good enough for a minister so committed to empowerment. And so to the new White Paper and its anticipated commitment to restore faith in participative democracy – to empower residents to shape their neighbourhoods into communities of which they are proud. To underline the commitment, the secretary of state asserts that ‘no neighbourhood is beyond renewal'. One cannot argue with this. Commentators suggest devolution to both community and council should happen as a matter of urgency if the national government is to have any hope of electoral salvation. But real devolution has to be about creating better local democracy, clearer accountability and efficient, more joined-up service delivery in local communities. So local government itself has to be empowered. Whitehall finally looks ready to consider increasing responsiveness and accountability across all local services – health, policing, schools and housing. Of course, there are radical solutions which are still some way off becoming reality. Let's take crime and community safety. The LGiU is suggesting a new model of local accountability and decision-making, in which funding is channelled through local government using commissioning, helpfully maintaining the managerial structures and independence of other organisations. Real change must be delivered in partnership. Crime and anti-social behaviour are perfect examples of problems whose causes are rooted across social, economic, housing and educational factors. But tough decisions need someone to stand up and be accountable. The council is already recognised as first among equals for a reason – its democratic mandate means it should take the final decision around the LSP table. Councillors have a crucial role too. They have the sharpest, most contemporary understanding of the fabric and mood changes within communities, as well as an existing ‘contract' through their election. A meaningful role in addressing the problems felt at the very heart of communities starts to address issues around the visibility and perceived effectiveness of frontline community representatives. Of course, we need to consider the effect of greater involvement of communities through calls for action and – a particular favourite of the secretary of state – petitions. Greater involvement and a more active scrutiny role for the public are commendable goals, and we hope these carry influence to those who need it most. However, we must also be alert to the need to build capacity among councillors to deal with less formal democratic participation. Elected representatives must be happy in their own skins, using these mechanisms to complement their own work, which does not undermine them. So, busy new councillors have much to push for. At present, local democracy is in danger of finding itself down a dead-end in one of Indiana Jones' caves. But further debate on the image of councillors and local government is tantamount to giving Mr Jones a damp box of matches to light the way back to civilisation. To combat public apathy, we need better, more direct democracy, and a stronger role for councils. How optimistic are we? The draft Queen's Speech is still ambiguous on the role for local councils. We will be waiting a while for the answer, and while there are signs that local government is now more trusted in Whitehall, the Government still wants proof that democracy and a stronger role for local authorities will improve delivery. At least we are having the conversation. Andrew Collinge is director of policy and public affairs at the Local Government Information Unit

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WHITEHALL

Adventure beckons for new members

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