It seems when it comes to getting involved with local affairs most of us say we’re in favour of doing our bit –but that’s about as far as it goes.
Ben Page, Chairman of the influential Ipsos MORI Social Research unit, has pieced together the results from a number of opinion surveys. The results reveal just how difficult it is to get people to take an active role in shaping the future of their local communities.
One survey asked people how they felt about extending Community Partnerships – such as local Council public forums. There was overwhelming support with 82% in favour.
When the pollsters asked the same group if they would be willing to get involved, it was a different story. Some 56% of those surveyed said No; 26% said Yes – and a further 18% said they might, but it would depend on the circumstances.
If these results make for depressing reading for those keen to see public participation – often called "active citizenship" – take off in Britain, there's worse to come.
Another poll asked if people wanted to be involved in local decisions. The majority, 58%, said they "like to know what their council is doing, but are happy to let them get on with it". Only 20% said they would like to have more say in what their Council does.
One survey result that will not come as a surprise to Neighbourhood Watch volunteers is a poll which asked people to list which public services they would personally like to have greater involvement in.
Top of the pile, with 35%, was tackling crime. Then came services for younger people (30%), leisure services (27%) and education (26%).
But it would appear when it comes to doing something about it – we'd rather leave it to someone else.
*Ben Page presented his findings to the Community Engagement Conference in London, last month.
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