Lonely Citizens

Article

This report points to the deep structural and cultural changes needed if we are to engage more citizens in government and the public realm. These citizens play an indispensable role in holding power to account and ensuring that public services and government are responsive to the views and values of citizens.

This report focuses on active citizenship as civic participation in politics and governance rather than volunteering or acting as a good neighbour. Its argument starts with the claim that while the UK and democracies like ours rely on expert representatives and professional civil institutions to defend the public interest, they also require active citizens.

These citizens play an indispensable role in holding power to account and ensuring that public services and government are responsive to the views and values of citizens.

Related items

  1. A photo of police officer and a community support officer walking down a quiet street in Kent

    The legitimacy trap

    Why a more active state needs better statecraft.
  2. A photograph from below of the grand Manchester town hall building on a sunny day against a blue sky

    On home ground: The future of devolution

    Andy Burnham has pledged to deliver “the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen”. The key task for the new government is putting this into action.
  3. A photo of a family walking along a residential street: a dad holds a toddler in his arms with a son and daughter on either side of him

    The first 100 days: A blueprint for renewal

    The choices that the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, makes in the first 100 days must demonstrate that he is on the side of ordinary people.