Many Councillors 'Divorced' From The Electorate

Two thirds of people have never met their local councillor and a similar number cannot name one, according to a new poll published today, on the eve of this May's local elections.

Three in ten don't even know if there are elections in their area according to a poll conducted by MORI Social Research Institute and commissioned by community relations experts Green Issues Communications.

"It is hardly surprising that local polls attract less than one third of the electorate. A result we can expect to be repeated on 2 May -- many councillors and voters are effectively divorced", said Tom Curtin, managing director of Green Issues Communications.

The poll conducted between 18-22 April 2002 shows that 67% of people have never met their local councillor and 64% cannot name one. Just 19% of potential voters would approach a councillor if they needed help dealing with a noisy neighbour.

Enormous confusion

"There is clearly enormous confusion amongst voters", said Tom. "Although local elections are conducted on a first past the post basis, there are numerous and complex ways by which councillors are elected. For example, some have elections every four years, whilst others have a third elected each year -- on the 4th year there is no election! Some councils' have one or two councillors per ward while others have three. Some people are represented by a unitary council whilst others have a district/borough and county council."

London -- bottom of the league

The problem becomes more serious when viewed regionally. London comes bottom of the league table of 'connected councillors'. 82% of Londoners have never met any of their local councillors and 76% could not name one. Only 13% of Londoners would bother to seek out a councillor if they needed help. This compares with over 40% who have met their local councillor in the West and 50% of Scots who claim they can put a name to theirs.

There is also a generation gap. Three-quarters of young people aged 15-24 have never met their local councillor, compared with just over half of those aged 55 plus, while older citizens are over twice as likely to say that they know the name of their local councillor (46% vs. 20% of 15-24 year olds).

Extremely dangerous

Tom Curtin added, "Is it any wonder people know little about their councillors? It is very hard to vote when people don't know who or what they are voting for. Transparency and simplicity are at the heart of democracy and if a complex and inconsistent system deters people from voting -- that is extremely dangerous."

"One has only to consider the result of the low turnout in the French presidential election to be aware of the danger that our electoral system poses. Even with their simple system it's hard enough to get people to vote! What is needed is a simple system with one tier of local government and council elections every four years with one councillor per ward."

Technical details

MORI Social Research Institute interviewed 1,067 adults aged 15 plus across the UK on 18-22 April 2002. Data are weighed to match the profile of the population.

Local Councillors Research: Topline Results

• MORI interviewed 1,067 British people aged 15+ on the MORI Omnibus.
• Interviews were conducted face-to-face in respondents' homes between 18-22 April 2002.
• Results are based on all respondents unless otherwise stated.
• Data are weighted to known population profile.
• An '*' indicates a finding of less than 0.5%, but greater than zero.
• Poll conducted by MORI on behalf of Green Issues Communications.

Q1 If you had a problem in your local community with a noisy neighbour, which of the following would you consider asking for help or advice? Please mention all that apply.

Q2 Many people don't know the name of their local councillor. How about you? Do you know the name of any of your current local councillors, or not?

Q3 When, if ever, did you last meet your local councillor in person?

Q4 As far as you are aware, are there local elections in your area this May or not?