Cities in Action: Democratising Local Governance

This report provides the findings and implications of the Democratising Local Governance research project, which has used the case studies of two cities – Glasgow and Sheffield – to investigate the relationships between local campaigns and democracy and governance. 

Inspired by the groundswell of local activism in both cities, we began this research project from a stance that local campaigners share common, and underheard democratic claims and potential. Our research revealed insights on wide-ranging issues of access to local democracy and governance, the multiplier effect of cuts, challenges for meaningful voice and influence, and the de-prioritisation of the public interest in the face of private and corporate capture. We also discussed the scope for more connected networks of grassroots movements in cities as points of exploration for directly democratic local governance and organisational models.

The research has wider implications for our local democracies, how they work, and how they might be rethought. We also believe there are important lessons here for elected members and officers in councils, as well as policy-makers, advisory bodies and national campaigners concerned with local democracy and governance. Finally, and critically, we hope this report resonates with local campaigners, grassroots activists and community groups – including the participants in Glasgow and Sheffield – and is useful for their strategic thinking and ongoing campaigning activities. To this end, we have created a condensed version of the report for local groups to share and use. This version of the report, which you can view or download beneath the main report below, also contains an appendix on our research method, which we hope will inspire folk in other cities in the UK to spark conversations about these themes in their own communities. 

A special thanks to our project partners in Sheffield and at Research for Action, our fantastic artist Reece, and all of our participant campaigners. 

REPORT: CITIES IN ACTION: DEMOCRATISING LOCAL GOVERNANCE 

RESOURCE FOR CAMPAIGNERS WITH APPENDIX: CITIES IN ACTION: DEMOCRATISING LOCAL GOVERNANCE