democracy - first magazine for councillors

photo of Llandudno seafront, North Wales

Local democracy: a constant in an uncertain world

As we look ahead to welcoming delegates to the Welsh Local Government Association’s (WLGA) annual conference in Llandudno in a few weeks, it is impossible to ignore the parlous state of democracy.

Diverse people standing with their backs to us, arms on each other’s shoulders or around their waists, looking at sunlight trees.

Social cohesion review warns of ‘significant challenges’

by The Editorial Team

An independent review by Dame Sara Khan into social cohesion and resilience has warned of “significant challenges” that impact the wellbeing of our democracy, threatening to undermine the social fabric of the country.

A growing Independent voice

by Councillor Marianne Overton MBE

The movement towards Independent and smaller parties is rising to take on the huge challenge of recovering confidence and trust in democracy.

Call to reinstate remote meetings

by The Editorial Team

A year since a government call for evidence on remote meetings closed, the LGA has called for virtual and hybrid council meetings to be an integral part of the future of local democracy in England.

Sun bursting through clouds over traditional British houses with countryside in the background.

Local government: the bedrock of democracy

by Baroness Wilcox

The year 1997 was a very good one. It marked the start of a Labour government again after 18 years of Tory rule, and it was the time I decided …

It’s time to trust local government with more powers

by Councillor Nick Forbes CBE

One of the cornerstones of democracy is that the public can trust those that they have elected to govern, whether at a national or local level, and that those who make the rules will follow them.