Evidence library

This report focuses on active citizenship as civic participation in politics and governance rather than volunteering or acting as a good neighbour. Its argument starts with the claim that while the UK and democracies like ours rely on expert representatives and professional civil institutions to defend the public interest, they also require active citizens. These citizens play an indispensable role in holding power to account and ensuring that public services and government are responsive to the views and values of citizens. Key Recommendations ? As citizens, we should play an active part in governance at some point in our lives, but only where our contribution is valued and we have the training and support we need. Government and non-governmental public agencies should view active citizens as their life blood. They need to develop the habit of inviting people to take part at every turn and supporting and rewarding those who do so. ? The public are turned off by ?yah boo? oppositional politics. The way in which the media treats politicians as knaves and fools ? and politicians impugn their opponents? characters ? undermines trust in the political system. Politics should focus more on substantive issues and less on ?character? and ?trust?. ? Politicians need to talk less and listen more. Successful politicians will increasingly be facilitators and brokers: able to help communities find their own solutions, rather than simply announcing a party solution. NOTE: This report can be download for free WITHOUT registration, but registration helps the IPPR monitor usage and reader interests.