Topic: Local democracy
The material in this section contains information, guidance and commentary about democracy, participation and engagement of the public in local democratic systems. Many authorities are seeking to deepen their approach to new ways of involving local people in decision-making – in part by exploring how these methods can “dock in” to more traditional governance structures.
The reorganisation and devolution agenda also creates an opportunity for local democracy to be strengthened through the creation and development of “hyperlocal” governance systems – both through a bolstering of the power of parish and community councils and by the creation of new locality or area-based systems for new, larger authorities.
Holding mayors to account: The future of scrutiny in devolved government
Join the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) and the London Assembly on 27 November 2025 at City Hall, London for a one-day conference on the future of mayoral scrutiny. Explore reforms, impact and innovation in devolved government. Free to attend – places limited
21st Century Councillors event
We’re excited to share news of a free 21st Century Councillor event taking place in Andover on 4 November – giving councillors and officers the chance to discuss how elected members can adapt, lead and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape for local democracy
Neighbourhood Governance: what the Devolution Bill means for councils
Explore what mandatory neighbourhood governance means for your council and discover how to turn this legislative requirement into an opportunity for more democratic, responsive local government.
Neighbourhood Governance
In her latest blog, Mel Stevens unpacks how a new duty in the Devolution Bill could shake up local democracy and put real power in the hands of communities.
What the committee system’s end means for councils facing transition
As the government announces an end to the committee system for local government, we examine its wider consequences for councils
Why we should be talking about democracy
Catherine Howe, CfGS chair and the Chief Executive of Adur and Worthing Councils, says that creating a new form of regional government requires a similar focus on how our local democracy works
Relational Constitutions: A provocation for rethinking local governance
How we can recast council constitutions as a living document that doesn’t just describe power, but shapes how it is held, shared and made accountable
What would you put in your local democracy shield?
Mel Stevens attended the recent Eurocities conference, Upgrading Local Democracy, where mayors from across Europe gathered to discuss how they can strengthen local democracy at a time of global democratic decline. It prompted her to ask, what can we prioritise preserving – using a ‘democracy shield’ from local democracy?
English Devolution White Paper Explainer
Learn more about the English Devolution White Paper with our explainer.
Notwestminster 2025
Read a firsthand account of what it’s like to take part in Notwestminster, and why CfGS felt it was important to sponsor it.