Audit of Political Engagement 10

The 2013 Hansard Society annual Audit of Political Engagement 10, published May 15, shows that the public are still disillusioned, disenchanted and disengaged from politics

New Hansard Society research shows further decline in public’s certainty to vote BUT improved perceptions of Parliament’s work

Audit of Political Engagement 10

The 2013 Hansard Society annual Audit of Political Engagement 10, published May 15, shows that the public are so disillusioned, disenchanted and disengaged from politics that:

• Just 41% of the public say they are certain to vote in the event of a general election, compared to 48% last year and 58% two years ago.
• The public’s propensity to vote is now the lowest ever recorded in the Audit series.
• Only 12% of 18-24 year olds say they are absolutely certain to vote – compared to 22% last year and 30% two years ago.
• 20% of the public say they are ‘absolutely certain not to vote’ -  compared to 16% last year and double the number who said the same two years ago (10%).
• Only 42% of the public say they would vote in an election in the future ‘if they felt strongly enough about an issue’; that 58% of people are still not prepared to vote even if they feel strongly, suggests serious disillusionment with the efficacy of voting.

Are we living our lives online?

Under-18s debate the impact of the internet on them and on wider society

Monday 29 April - Friday 17 May 2013

Can Parliament seize the opportunity to better communicate parliamentary democracy in a digital world?

A new Hansard Society report points the way forward

The landscape of print, broadcasting and social media is changing rapidly and how it alters affects Parliament’s ability to communicate and engage with the public it serves. A new report from the Hansard Society – #futurenews: The Communication of Parliamentary Democracy in a Digital World – explores these strategic communication trends and how Parliament needs to respond in order to keep pace and ensure it has a voice in the political debate commensurate with its role at the apex of our democracy.

New Sex & Power report finds women are missing from top roles in politics and public life

90% of bank CEOs are men

Two thirds of public appointments go to men

Almost 90%  of chief constables and police & crime commissioners are men

Two thirds of local councillors are men

Sex and Power 2013: Who Runs Britain?

Should more women be in charge?

Under-18s debate gender and power with politicians

4-22 March 2013

Headsup.org.uk

Why is there still a pay gap between men and women? Why are there so few female MPs? Why are the top jobs in business and the media dominated by men?

From Monday 4 March the HeadsUp forum – Should more women be in charge? – will be open for under-18s to debate with politicians and key decision-makers what is holding women back from reaching the top of their professions.

Good news for Parliament

Public perception of Parliament’s effectiveness shows signs of improvement, says new Hansard Society research

On the day the House of Commons debates the effectiveness of select committees (Jan 31, 2013), initial results from the Hansard Society’s 2013 Audit of Political Engagement 10 demonstrate some interesting improvements in the public’s perception of Parliament over the course of the last year.

Assembly Line? The Experiences and Development of new Assembly Members

A new Hansard Society briefing paper, Assembly Line? The Experiences and Development of new Assembly Members, examines how AMs newly elected in 2011 have made the transition from members of the public to elected representatives of the National Assembly for Wales. Evidence from the study shows:

Congratulations to Hansard Society Co-President, Rt Hon John Bercow MP

Politician of the Year – Political Studies Association Awards 2012

The Speaker and Hansard Society Co-President Rt Hon John Bercow MP was awarded Politician of the Year by the PSA. The judges     explained their decision as follows:

‘Bercow has had a tremendous impact since the position became his in June 2009, consistently holding the Executive to account. During this time, there has been a shift in the way in which the House operates and his impact can be highlighted by the central role he has played in reforming Parliament in the wake of the expenses scandal. He is a deserved recipient if the Politician of the Year Award.’’

The PSA added:

‘In addition to his role following the expenses scandal, Bercow’s calls for House reform have expressed his desire for increased transparency, greater numbers of women and minorities in Parliament, more powers for Select Committees, as well as measures to help Parliament – not Government – set the agenda.’

Are young people losing out on transport? - Nov 15

Under-18s debate transport issues with politicians

26 November - 14 December 2012

Headsup.org.uk

Are fares for young people fair? Should money be spent on large-scale transport projects or invested locally? Are young people properly consulted on this issue?

From Monday 26 November the HeadsUp forum - Transport: paying too much for too little? -  will be open for under-18s to debate transport issues with key decision-makers in this area. Taking part are MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, as well as key individuals from national and international transport organisations.