Democracy is more than a system of government, it is the principle that power ultimately rests with the people, exercised directly or through their elected representatives under a free and fair electoral system. It is about enabling individuals and communities to shape the decisions that affect their lives.
Launched in 2018, the Democracy Matters initiative began a national conversation about whether communities across Scotland should have greater power to make decisions for themselves. This work is a vital part of the wider Local Governance Review, which explores how power, responsibilities, and resources can be more fairly shared between national and local government.
In August 2023, the Scottish Government and COSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) launched Democracy Matters phase two engagement process. Thousands of people contributed through discussions, written submissions, and community conversations. Six key themes emerged: powers, representation, accountability and participation, setting priorities, resources and relationships, and building community capacity. Democracy Matters – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space
The consultation confirmed that people want decision-making to be closer to home, flexible to local needs, inclusive of all voices, and backed by fair access to resources. Communities expressed a clear appetite for a stronger role in shaping their futures whether defined by geography, shared identity, or common interest.
Phase Three, now underway, is about turning these conversations into action. It will focus on testing and refining practical models of local democracy. This includes:
- exploring new ways for communities to hold independent budgets,
- ensuring diverse and under-represented voices can participate fully,
- strengthening accountability and transparency,
- piloting new approaches in different local contexts, and
- considering the legislation, funding, and support structures needed to make these changes sustainable.
A key part of this work is ensuring inclusion. BEMIS, as a member of the Democracy Matters Steering Committee, plays an active role in advocating for the representation and participation of ethnic minority communities. By ensuring that decision-making processes reflect Scotland’s diversity, BEMIS works to guarantee that no voice is left unheard in shaping the future of local democracy.
Now is the time to get involved. Whether your community is defined by place, culture, or shared interest, Democracy Matters is your opportunity to help shape how decisions about your future are made. Every voice counts in building a Scotland where democracy truly begins at the community level.
đź“© For more information, or to connect with BEMIS on this work, please contact: justina.obaoye@bemis.org.uk