On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being poor and 10 being good…how would you rate your council? Your national Government? Wider bodies – such as the EU?
I imagine that not many of you will be giving top marks to all. So, how do you make a government better? How do you tell them what they are doing wrong? To tell them what you need? Well, here is a list of ten ways that you can influence our local or national governments without the need to stage a coup. Some methods you can even do without getting out of your bed in the morning!
1. Newspapers
Newspapers are a politician’s equivalent of Marmite. One day they love the praise, the next day they despise the criticism. And, as such, newspapers are very much an enormously strong weapon in your arsenal. Thousands of stories are taken to newspapers by members of the public – of hardship, of injustice or of discontent with representatives or policies. Those stories, dispatched nationwide (and beyond thanks to online news) create hordes of unwanted negativity for the government. Pressure from negative headlines and public backlashes can, and have, spurned policy U-turns and introductions of new laws (“Sarah’s Law”, for example, was the result of intense media pressure led by the rallying of the nation). Contacting newspapers with a story requires only a phone-call or an email to discuss the situation or to arrange a call-back.
2. Party membership/conferences
Almost every political party has an army of members, many numbering the tens of thousands. Membership is generally “free” however donations are gratefully received. Party membership is worthwhile; it allows you direct communication with those making policy and gives an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to, or vote upon, the policies that party sets out to achieve. Party conferences are the driving forces behind any party; for politicians it allows an opportunity to test or review policies and to measure the support they can rely on, as well as to understand the concerns or issues that need attention. For party members, conferences allow you the chance to question politicians, to raise suggestions or concern about policies and to seek further help – it truly is a chance to make or change policies for your favour.
Political parties need your contribution; is imperative to their very survival. Joining a party can be done over the phone or online. All parties represented in Westminster are shown here, with links to their personal websites where you can join a party today:
http://www.parliament.uk/site-information/useful/politicalparties/
3. Petitions / Campaigns
Petitions are growing in strength every day. From being nothing more than a sign of grievance, petitions are now powerful orders direct to politicians; to listen to signatories and to act. In Westminster, petitions with 100,000 signatures are required – by law – to be debated within the chamber.
Current petitions and information on how to start your own petition are available here:
- UK Government: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/
- Scottish Government: http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/
- National Assembly for Wales: http://www.assemblywales.org/gethome/e-petitions.htm
4. Comment on policies at consultation stage
Governments are obliged to seek insight from the public through consultation in the stages of policy design and to review opinions once instigated. On occasion, the government may assign facilities and resources to allow public meetings to occur, or they may allow for electronic or hardcopy submissions to be sent to the appropriate body. In addition, many councils conduct door-to-door surveys which allow a direct say upon local or national policies. These comments must be logged and reported throughout the construction and review of a policy and these reports must then be available to the public (subject to national security concerns etc). Information on governmental consultations at national, devolved and local levels is available here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/PublicConsultations/DG_170463
5. MSP/MP’s
One sure-fire way of being heard is to take your cause straight to politicians, either local councillors or your national representatives. Politicians hold regular “clinics” in their constituencies to meet the public and to discuss their concerns. Local councils, libraries, schools or community centres will be able to tell you more about when and where your politician will make an appearance. To find your local council representative, national representative or even international representative – complete with email, telephone and address contact details – have a look here:
6. Community meetings
Local community groups may have the power and funds to make decisions for your community, allowing a direct opportunity to: contribute ideas, raise concerns or, finally, be involved in decision making for your community. In addition, community groups are acknowledged as being a representative voice of the area and those within. Community groups are respected by politicians both at local and national level who will work on your behalf and may escalate the situation to a national chamber if required. Your local council, libraries, schools or community centres will be able to tell you more about what groups work for your area as well as contact details and information of future meetings (and, in some instances, copies of the minutes from previous meetings)
7. Focus groups
Focus groups are an amalgamation of consultation groups and local community meetings, each discussed in earlier points. Focus groups can be used in national and local parameters. National focus groups are used by governments to garner a sample of the population; to find a fairly representative group upon which to “test” proposals or seek feedback and/or advice on the best way to progress forward. National focus groups generally represent society; socio-economic issues such as age, income, education etc are all considered to ensure a well balanced group to provide reliable contributions for policy makers to base decisions on. Local focus groups are set up with a specific mission in mind – for example, to reduce litter or traffic. Local focus groups may seek input from the wider neighbourhood to capture views on an issue or seek feedback on proposed solutions. Dependant upon the level of power held by the focus group, the proposals may then be initiated into action or escalated to community groups or local/national government for consideration. Local councils, libraries, schools or community centres are a key source of information on such groups within your area and may be able to tell you more about what groups are working for your area, what objective they are working for as well as contact details.
8. Public question-times – televised programmes
Televised debates and open question-times make a good politician sweat and a poor politician crash. Politicians taking questions – either on a national stage (such as the leader’s debates 2010, Question-Time etc) or smaller scale at public hustings in your area – have no idea of what questions may come their way. They therefore have to be at their best to provide the right answers at the right time. Bringing your concerns directly to a politician on television or another public forum can allow you an opportunity for a direct response.
9. Elections – local/national
Perhaps the simplest method of them all! If a government isn’t serving your needs; get them out! Elections give the loudest judgement of our satisfaction with current and potential leaders. You can vote in person, via mail or permit another individual to vote on your behalf. Ensure you are registered to vote by updating your details here:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/voter-registration
10. Stand in your council or parliament
If you can’t beat them, join them! If you want a more direct influence within political decision making and to improve your area then become a politician! Local or national elections at community, council, region and national levels are held periodically – or via a by-election when a candidate needs replacing. What better way to lead efforts to improve your community than by standing for your area and leading from the front? To stand in your area as a candidate you must stand either as a party representative (see the links previously on how to join a party) or you can stand as an independent.
To stand for parliament you must not be either a police officer, civil servant or bankrupt. Those with criminal convictions, having served more than 12 months in a jail, are also not eligible to stand. A deposit of £500 is required to be paid should you wish to stand in your area as a potential candidate, however if standing for a party, that party should cover this cost. This cost must be paid to your returning officer by a designated deadline. In addition, the returning officer requires ten signatures upon your nomination papers from residents within your chosen constituency. Those signing the nomination papers must be eligible to vote. And then, with that done and dusted…you are free to run as a candidate; go on, you know you want to…good luck!!!
