Bid launched to end apathy faced by local government

Durham County Council is looking at ways of attracting more interest and involvement in its work.

Despite the Government's local government modernisation programme, which led to the new cabinet system being adopted by councils across the country, turnout at elections is falling, and people rarely exercise their right to attend council meetings.

The Labour-run authority is looking at ways of encouraging people to take an interest by revamping the format of the three ordinary or full council meetings it holds each year.

It has introduced presentations of revamped mining banners and awards to local young athletes and talks about aspects of the council's work.

Now, the authority plans to hold "state of the county" debates - dealing with a particular aspect of the council's work - and sessions when people can ask questions of the council.

The questions would have to be submitted in writing beforehand.

Ordinary meetings are held in February, August and November and are the only formal gatherings of the entire council. Most day-to-day work is done in cabinet or committee.

Veteran Labour councillor Bob Pendlebury said the council spent enormous amounts in providing services, yet most people had little knowledge of what the council did and how it was done.

"We are not proactive in saying to people 'Come to County Hall and we'll tell you about this, that and the other','' said Councillor Pendlebury.

Councillor Nigel Martin, Liberal Democrat leader, welcomed the move. "We have a problem in local government in trying to do something to get people's interest," he said.

Suggestions such as broadcasting debates on the Internet, holding meetings at night and at different locations were also suggested, along with providing transport for people to attend meetings.

Andrew North, director of corporate and legal affairs, said: "Other councils have been more successful in getting people through their doors.