What is the best route to powerful communities? (Scottish Green Conference)

A vibrant and powerful local democracy creates the basis for building strong communities. From the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis people have shown they are willing to devote time and care to those in need, and across the world there are proven examples of democratic innovations that put citizens at the heart of decision-making.

When citizens come together to make plans about the place they know best, Scotland’s towns, cities and villages can flourish. But what democratic systems would allow this to happen? And is Dunfermline the right place to test-drive a standing assembly of citizens to help govern and plan the future of the city?

With the relaunch of the Democracy Matters consultation, Scots are being asked where power should lie, feeding into a Local Democracy Bill which is expected to make its way through this parliament. This presents a huge opportunity to make lasting change. Come to this fringe meeting to discuss and debate how we can transform our local democracy to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, and to hear from those already rising to them.