A healthy local democracy has:

• A robust and cohesive community that knows how to influence its council
• Strong community leaders who understand and are able to represent local citizens and their needs
• A set of officers who are able to support their councillors and engage with the local community
• Good communications between these crucial sets of people

How can eDemocracy help to achieve this?

eDemocracy can help to achieve this because it provides a whole range of new channels and methods by which those involved can communicate, express their views and discuss and debate the options open to them.

Who uses it and why?

80% of people have access to the Internet at home, at work or on the move. People shop online, bank online, debate online. And we know they are hungry to engage online.

Technology can and does:

• Save money
• Save time
• Help manage workload and achieve a better work / life balance
• Improve communication and engagement

Just technology?

Of course nobody is expected just to use technology. Effective engagement is about effective communication and that also means meeting people face to face, writing to them, talking to them over the telephone.

Its all about using the appropriate means of communication in the circumstances.