Democracy Matters

• Making those involved in decision making, including Community Councils, more accountable in all areas of the region. Some community councils are ineffective,or have little powers or smaller amounts of people involved in their running. So how could we trust them to have more powers?
• A fear that Westminster overrides decisions in Scotland and takes powers away, what would stop them removing powers. Even at local levels and for us in a rural area, who get left out anyway.
• No trust in those in power currently, “London does not care about us” and “Dumfries does not care about us in rural areas”
• Why change what is there just now? I have a lack of faith in anything changing in the foreseeable future.
• At a local level we should have the power to recruit staff, seek funding, not just small pots, but a larger pot to cover more capital projects, for housing, education and employment at a local level.
• The world stops at the Dumfries town limit and we get forgotten, I would like to see local decision making for issues that effect our rural villages and towns.

• None, the ones that I know about and some with them, have are too much just now.
• More overall control of power and decision making.
• Local taxation to bring in money for local projects.
• No money for more powers, what would they do with the new powers, when we can’t get money to back up and use the powers we have, “hands tied”.
• What powers do they have now?
• Faster decision making processes, less red tape and more fit for purpose and efficiency.

"Not sure what that have and how they use them"
"I need to see what they have first."

• No trust in current systems or who and why they go on boards, panels or bodies.
• Are they diverse aware? As some who currently have power are not equality minded.
• Would feel comfortable sitting on a board or groups, having a fear that I would be judged, fear of hate, fear of being always ‘outed’ fear from the media and the right-wing bias.
• Engaging with groups such as LGBT+, disability to engage directly with them.

• LGBT+
• Disability
• Race
• Age
• Youth
• Women
• Those with a passion and desire in their own areas, towns etc with a need to make things better and a positive change.

• They should be co-opted on to boards, committees.
• They have the right skill sets and desire to be there, just now it’s a “What’s in for me”
• The boards should be made up of elected and co-opted on, those with the correct skills and drive. With a rolling time period on these boards, say 2 years and then step down a year for co-opted, and those elected should have a performance benchmark “They meet for exceed the benchmark, they stay, fall short, up for a re-election” Too many not fit for purpose.
• A process like charities, with board trustees wanting to do a job/role, being proposed, and seconded, with regular reviews and supervisions.
• Boards made up from all those within the communities, representatives of each group, protected demographic.

• To be the voice of the community and not a political party or self-interest.
• To be the conduit for the community, funders and other partners and stake holders.
• To make the area of remit, the community, the best it can be for everyone in that area, not just one or two people, but everyone.
• Have the posts, performance related, offer free training and CPD building, development of CV’s and performance feedback.
• Making positive changes to all.
• A voice for the unheard, “Which is what it’s like now in rural communities”.
• “Would I do it?” “No, I looked at community councils before and they way they looked down at people, I didn’t feel comfortable” “The reason I am here is to see change happen”

Difficult to say what incentives to offer, they get expenses and some a pay out of it. “To make changes is incentive enough”.

• Fixed term, such as a 2yr placement.
• More open and accessible for public to attend.
• Being open and honest.
• Doing what the community is looking for and asked for, and if it can’t be done, why? And “honest open answer without waffle or big excuses”.
• “Being modern and up to date with new ways to engage with hard-to-reach groups, those without IT, smart phones, landlines, those who don’t get out to see posters etc. “If we don’t know, how can we know they will be accountable?”

• Yes, similar to the Third Sector approaches with road shows and open groups and meetings.
• Attend community events, such as agriculture shows, to keep communities updated and awareness of other plan and discussions, informal gathers, without the “red tape and stuffie rooms”.
• Fact finding workshops in local areas.
• Attendance of Council Ward Officers and elected Councillors at meetings. “ Turn up unannounced”
• Attending agriculture shows, galas etc. to table what the progress is on topics and a platform to engage with representatives.

• Meetings filmed and available to view online. “Webinars”
• Social media and other media.
• Focus Groups.
• Not being a “talking shop” and being able to see change.
• Set up a stall in local supermarkets, shops, markets.
• Take out adverts on local community radio, interviews and discussions on local issues on air.
• Discussions on local ITV Border.

• Training and support from the Third Sector and other competent organisations.
• Funding strategies.
• There could be a local decision making processes, rather than one location making decisions and covering a a wider area like it is now by local authority. This region is too big with many rural communities with different needs and priorities. “We have a different need at times to some other places” “we want our voice heard here in my village”

Demand. “Is the need for them still here, no they work? If not, change is needed” Such task and complete work, such as local housing , education, once the work is done, move on.
• Evidence for needs. “Is there evidence of them being required, not just a talking shop.
• Time bound at start of the planned work, regular reviews. “ Yes like task and complete as we discussed before, but say, the project / piece of work is going to take one year, Then that’s how long, they wind up the body”
• “Being current to local needs”.

• Yes, more funding from regional council, that is current to that piece of work that is assigned, to be able to recruit staff, equipment for the task, share with other bodies.
• Access to accommodation and IT support at local levels and not duplicated, local bodies can share space, transport and resources.
• More technical and admin support when required and not wait for a long delay in getting it from a central source.

• Yes, going by what was read out, I like the idea of a charter, but not a token gesture, one with teeth.
• More funding and unrestricted funding in relation to bringing specialists to aid in the decision-making process and fact finding, such as consultation firms, advisers and those that can help put assurances in place.
• A charter that follows the Equality Act and will go some way to make people feel included.
• A charter that is being constructed by the communities.

• A two-way process not just implemented but discussed fully with everyone.
• Working with all stake holders, being open and true to the values of the community and its needs.

• Recruitment, Fiscal, per support, training and community engagement.
• Support from the community itself, having the voice to make change, that “ownership” will increase capacity.
• Be more effective, responsive, open. “ Quicker turnaround on decisions than it is just now”

be more effective in their duties

• What do they have just now? And do they use them and how effective are they?
• More powers to buy and sale property, “to buy empty shops on the high street to do up and sale, rent out. The powers to buy land for housing projects that are affordable.”
• Reducing Red Tape and the many steps to get to even speak with someone at Regional level.

It's clear that we emphasise the importance of fostering a sense of civic responsibility and democratic values from a young age to address the challenges of low voter turnout and dissatisfaction within the political system. Educating individuals about the democratic process and the significance of their voice in shaping their communities is indeed crucial for the health and growth of any democratic society. Here are a few strategies and considerations that were contributed.

• Civic Education Programs:
Implement comprehensive education programs in schools, starting from primary levels. These programs should cover topics such as the democratic process, the importance of voting, the role of government, and civic duties and responsibilities.
Make these programs engaging and interactive to capture the interest of all students and help them understand the practical implications of democratic principles.

• Hands-On Learning:
Organise mock elections within schools to provide students with a practical understanding of the voting process.
Encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities such as student government, debate and discussion groups/clubs, or community service/ volunteering projects, fostering a sense of engagement.

• Community Involvement:
Establish partnerships between schools and local communities to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
Encourage students to engage with local issues and participate in community events, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the broader society.

• Media Literacy:
Integrate media literacy education into the curriculum to help students critically analyse information, identify biases, and understand the role of media in shaping public opinion.
Teach students to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information, empowering them to make informed decisions.

• Encourage Dialogue:
Create platforms for open and respectful discussions on political and social issues within schools and communities. This helps develop critical thinking skills and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives.
Provide opportunities for students and others to interact with local leaders, politicians, and community members to understand the complexities of governance.

• Promote Voting as a Duty:
Emphasise the idea that voting is not just a right but a duty. Instil a sense of responsibility in individuals to actively participate in the democratic process.
Highlight the historical struggles and sacrifices made to ensure the right to vote, fostering an appreciation for the democratic values that underpin society.

• Address Systemic Issues:
Acknowledge and address any systemic issues or barriers that may contribute to disillusionment with the political system. This may involve reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

• By combining these strategies, there is potential to cultivate a generation of informed and engaged citizens who understand the importance of their voice in the democratic process. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviours, and a well-rounded education can contribute to a more active and participatory community