Introduction: Defining democratic renewal

Lawrence Pratchett

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookForeword/postscriptpeer-review

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Abstract

Democratic renewal is one of New Labour's central policy initiatives yet its meaning remains ambiguous. This article introduces the other contributions in this volume by exploring three definitions of the subject. First, it defines democratic renewal as a set of practical solutions for the perceived problems of contemporary local democracy: electoral reform, enhanced public participation, improved political management structures and new community leadership. Second, it defines it in terms of broader political, cultural and constitutional change: as an attempt to modify attitudes towards Britain's democratic institutions by engendering higher levels of social capital. Finally, it defines it as a process of creating a new mode of local democracy in which various components of direct, consultative, deliberative and representative democracy are mixed to create a radically different democratic polity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRenewing Local Democracy?
Subtitle of host publicationThe Modernisation Agenda in British Local Government
EditorsLawrence Pratchett
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Chapter1
Pages1-18
Number of pages18
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9781315038421
ISBN (Print)9780714680958
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

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