AM wants citizens’ assembly trial in Neath Port Talbot
22 September 2008
Neath-based Assembly member, Bethan Jenkins, today called for Port Talbot to trial a citizens’ assembly to re-engage the public in the democratic process.
Citizens’ assemblies are used in numerous countries, such as Canada, for the public to have their say on key issues. Such assemblies are comprised of electors, selected randomly from the electoral role and act as juries on specific issues such as electoral reform.
Ms Jenkins will tomorrow (September 23rd) support a seminar on civic participation at the National Assembly hosted by Public Affairs Cymru which will publicise the work of Canadian Professor Peter MacLeod, a cutting edge examiner of public participation.
Speaking today, Ms Jenkins said:
“It seems clear that with low turn out levels at elections, many people are disengaging with the democratic process and feel that they are not a part of the decision making process. Devolution has gone a long way to address that disengagement and I believe we should go a step further and convene local citizens’ assemblies where ordinary people can influence legislators.”
Ms Jenkins said she will be initiating the creation of a citizens’ assembly in the area in the coming weeks. She added:
“I want to see Neath Port Talbot leading the way on a radical change to the decision-making process in Wales. I believe it would be fitting for the first citizens’ assembly in Wales to be held in Port Talbot, comprising of local people. Such an assembly could consider issues such as a windfall tax on energy companies or lowering the voting age to 16.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Public Affairs Cymru are supporting Bethan Jenkins AM in publicising the work of Peter MacLeod, a cutting edge examiner of public participation. The following day Peter is in London launching a pamphlet called “Sorted: Civic lotteries and the future of public participation”. Inspired by Canada’s first Citizens’ Assemblies, in 2007 he founded MASS LBP to extend this model and reinvent public consultation. MASS LBP is based in Toronto with staff in Vancouver, Ottawa and London.
Will be held on Tuesday 23rd September, 6.30pm-8.00pm in Media Briefing Room at the Senedd, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay.
For Further information please contact Steffan Lewis on 029 20 898 713
