Equal power to the people?

The Power Inquiry into political disengagement from formal politics has received a mixed response since its findings were published in February 2006, and concerns about the health of parliamentary democracy in Britain continue to be voiced by many academics. In particular, low voter turnout at elect...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Contemporary politics 2006-12, Vol.12 (3-4), p.321-331
Main Author:	Edwards, Julia
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Democracy Disengagement Governance Great Britain Health Care Services Policy Policy Making Political culture Political institutions Political participation Political representation Political systems Politicians Power relations Social values United Kingdom Voter Turnout Wales
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	The Power Inquiry into political disengagement from formal politics has received a mixed response since its findings were published in February 2006, and concerns about the health of parliamentary democracy in Britain continue to be voiced by many academics. In particular, low voter turnout at elections and a growing mistrust of politicians are seen as threatening to legitimate government. This article critically evaluates the Power report's three interrelated themes and 30 recommendations which advocate a redistribution of power from central to local government and a more bottom-up approach to policy making. The arguments are illustrated from a decade of research, by the author, into the development of equal opportunities law and practice in the UK, and particularly in Wales, where issues such as measures to promote more diversity among elected representatives have been highly contentious. Reprinted by permission of Routledge, Taylor & Francis Ltd.
ISSN:	1356-9775 1469-3631