‘Growing a stronger local democracy’ launch event
Growing a stronger local democracy –
University of Huddersfield, 30th June
Join us for this special event to celebrate the publication of our ‘Growing a stronger local democracy’ report. On the day we’ll be sharing our full findings and recommendations for the future. This event also marks the beginning of our practical work to make it happen.
Watch again
Missed our launch event on Friday 30th June 2017? You can watch our webcast archive to hear the presentations and watch our Question Time session:
Watch the presentations & Question Time
Hear our story so far…
The Democracy Commission was brought together by Kirklees Council to investigate what a strong and healthy local democracy should look like in Kirklees – for the next generation, and beyond. We were asked to gather evidence about our local democracy and make recommendations based on what we learned.
This event will be hosted by our independent chair, Dr Andy Mycock from the University of Huddersfield, who will tell you about our journey so far. You will also hear from Jacqui Gedman, Chief Executive of Kirklees Council, and Professor Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield. We are grateful for their support.
Find out what we’ve learned
Our report includes ideas for working with active citizens, making the most of digital technologies and culture, suggestions about councillors, decision-making and elections, and how we can get local voices heard in regional devolution. Key themes from our draft report
Over 1,000 people have shared their views with the Kirklees Democracy Commission. 43 witnesses gave evidence during our public inquiries and evidence gathering sessions. We’ve heard from citizens, community organisations, young people, councillors and other councils. We have gathered useful insights and have been inspired by some of the things that are already happening elsewhere. At the event, our Commissioners will share some of the key things that we’ve learned during our research.
Local democracy in 2020 and beyond
We want to redesign local democracy for the future and we’re strongly aware of the responsibility that we have to our young citizens. We’re delighted that Kirklees Youth Council have participated in the Democracy Commission’s work every step of the way. You’ll meet some of our youth councillors at this event, and hear about their aspirations for the future.
Workshops
We’re also looking forwards to the practical work of redesigning our local democracy. You can participate in one of our practical workshops at the event, each hosted by someone who has given evidence to the Kirklees Democracy Commission:
- Young citizens
Hosted by Michelle Ross and Kirklees Youth Council - An informed local democracy – “Who knows wins”
Hosted by Joe Mitchell from Democracy Club - Valuing our citizens
Hosted by Sarah Allan, Involve - Connected councillors
Hosted by Cllr David Harrington, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council - Networked citizenship
Hosted by Neil McInroy, CLES (Centre for Local Economic Strategies)
More info about our workshops
Question Time
Submit your question now and we’ll put some of them to our panel on the day. You can ask about digital democracy and digital councillors, community networks, consultations, local elections and involving young people in local democracy.
Panellists:
- Sarah Allan, Involve
- Nick Booth, Podnosh
- Cllr David Harrington, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
- Professor Cristina Leston-Bandeira, Digital Democracy Commission & University of Leeds
- Neil McInroy, CLES (Centre for Local Economic Strategies)
- Joe Mitchell, Democracy Club
- Kirklees Youth Council
Also look out for many of our witnesses who are taking part on the day.
More info about our Question Time
