The debate marks a milestone in the work of the Kirklees Democracy Commission, which has been working with Kirklees citizens and others to investigate what a strong and healthy local democracy should be like, for the next generation and beyond.
The debate will be on the findings of the Democracy Commission’s draft “Growing a stronger local democracy” report, which shares 48 recommendations about how to improve local democracy for the citizens of Kirklees. The 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 local voices can be better heard in regional devolution.
The “Growing a stronger local democracy” report is based on evidence from over 1,000 participants, including Kirklees citizens, councillors, members of local community groups, Kirklees Council staff, partner organisations and a range of expert witnesses. The contributors have shared their practical knowledge and experiences about local democracy, and have brought new ideas from across the country and beyond.
All Kirklees councillors will debate the Commission’s findings from 6pm on Wednesday 10 May 2017, in the Council Chamber at Huddersfield Town Hall, Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA. They will be joined by members of Kirklees Youth Council, who will share some of their ideas and hopes for the future.
The live debate on Wednesday 10 May is the final opportunity for the issues to be debated ahead of the publication of the Democracy Commission’s final report in June. A public event at the University of Huddersfield on Friday 30 June will be the beginning of a programme of practical work in Kirklees to bring the Commission’s recommendations to life.
The debate will be webcast live and twitter users can follow @kirkdemocracy for live updates. More information about how to participate is available at www.democracycommission.org.uk
Growing a stronger local democracy – council debate 10 May 2017
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