09 February 2007
A new government-sponsored commission is to examine ways to encourage more young people, women and individuals from ethnic minorities to become councillors.
Communities and Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly announced the commission this week in the light of new figures showing that members are overwhelmingly white, middle-aged and male.
A census of councillors, conducted jointly by the Local Government Association and the Improvement and Development Agency, revealed that only 4% of councillors are from a non-white ethnic minority background, fewer than 30% are women, and the average age is 58.
Kelly said: 'There is a democratic deficit in our town halls which means not everybody's voice is being heard. By getting a better balance at the local level we can get the best people for our councils – and the best councils for our people.'
The commission takes forward a pledge made in the local government white paper and will be led by Dame Jane Roberts, the former leader of Camden council. The group will make practical recommendations on how to remove the barriers that discourage people from becoming councillors, such as problems with getting time off work or the restrictions on who can become one. It will report by November this year.
Paul Coen, chief executive of the LGA, said councils could take some steps to encourage more people to stand for elections but added: 'The selection of candidates is primarily an issue for the political parties to urgently address. Councillors are elected to put local people first and it is important that they are representative of the communities they serve.'
The census figures showed that the proportion of black and Asian councillors has increased to 4% of the total – up from 3.5% in 2004. In addition, just 0.3% of councillors are aged under 25 and 7.4% between 25 and 39 – up from 6.9% in 2004.
Lucy de Groot, executive director of the IDA, which commissions the census every two years, said: 'The figures on ethnic diversity are encouraging but still not representative of our community as a whole. Local government must renew its efforts to encourage a more diverse range of people to become councillors, which is why we welcome the commission.'
The detail of the commission's work plan will be agreed jointly by the DCLG and LGA. It will examine, among other things, the requirements and time commitments expected of members, support available to develop their skills for the role and the allowance and remuneration regime.
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