Local Democracy Week

14th - 20th October 2013

“European Local Democracy Week” (ELDW) is an annual European event where local authorities from all the 47 member states of the Council of Europe organise public events to meet and engage with their citizens on issues of current interest. The aim is to promote and foster democratic participation at a local level through public initiatives which involve citizens.

This year's theme is

Active citizenship: voting, sharing, participating

Activities planned in Portsmouth for 2013 so far, include:-

Monday 14th October         Why bother to vote? Challenge 

Tuesday 15th October        Full Council Meeting: Local democracy in action
Wednesday 16th October   Healthwatch Launch event and Patient Engagement Debate

Wednesday 16th October   Portsea Island Discs with Lord Mayor 

Thursday 17th October       Lord Mayor’s Schools Debate 

Thursday 17th October       “How Parliament Works”

Please click on the Local Democracy Week logo to find out more detail and to register for the free events

Did you miss Local Democracy Week this year?

There has been a lot going on in Portsmouth this week as part of European Local Democracy Week.  If you've missed any of it, take a look at our brief summary and catch up on presentations on the UK and European parliaments; listen to the radio debate from HMP Kingston and see what young people have been up to in the Council Chamber.

School students with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth

MEPs Catherine Bearder & Keith Taylor visit Portsmouth

Young People Kick Off Local Democracy Week Early

Yesterday afternoon young people from Portsmouth Youth Parliament and COPS (Council of Portsmouth Students) met in the Council Chamber to debate 'Why should I stay in Portsmouth?'. 

The Lord Mayor chaired the debate with Full Council rules and two parties were formed, RANT and RAVE.  
 

Great points were made by both sides and the articulate nature of those involved was a credit to young people in our great city.  A reason to stay!


Try our slideshow maker at Animoto.

Click on 'Local Democracy Week 2012' for more information on the free events and activities available.

What are you doing in 3 week's time?

Why not spare some time to find out more about getting your voice heard at a local, national and european level? 

During this year's Local Democracy Week there will be plenty of opportunities to gain a better understanding of democracy in action. 

The week includes a debate from Kingston Prison, a chance to quiz your local MPs and MEPs, as well as a human right's lecture, university debate on baby boomers and some interactive online games. Click here to find out more and book onto the free events.

Local Democracy Week Unveiled

Do you know how to make your voice heard at a local, national and european level? 

During this year's Local Democracy Week there will be plenty of opportunities to gain a better understanding of democracy in action.

The week includes a debate from Kingston Prison, a chance to quiz your local MPs and MEPs, as well as a human right's lecture, university debate on baby boomers and some interactive online games.  Click here to find out more and book onto the free events.

How does Parliament contribute to the debate on energy issues?

The Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and Dr Alan Whitehead MP are hosting an event on Monday 14^th May, from 5-7pm at the Freemantle Community Centre in Southampton.

'Parliament Talks...Energy’ is the latest in a series of free events and promotional activities highlighting Parliament's role in debating and challenging Government policy on energy.  This event will bring together members of the public and parliamentarians to discuss how Parliament contributes to the debate on energy issues and scrutinises Government policy, particularly when it comes to consumer engagement with energy companies.

This event is hosted by the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and the House of Commons Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change and will be part of the Committee’s upcoming inquiry into consumer engagement and will ask for the public’s views on their understanding of the energy industry.  It will start with an introduction and talk from the local MP, Dr Alan Whitehead, who is a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, followed by discussion groups on how energy companies engage with their customers and how much consumers know about their energy bills. 

How to attend

To find out more information or to register a place at this event, please contact the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service on:

E-mail: parliamentaryoutreach@parliament.uk 

Telephone: 020 7219 1650

Please include your name, the name of your organisation (if you will be representing one) your e-mail address and a contact telephone number.

How does Parliament contribute to the debate on energy issues?

The Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and Dr Alan Whitehead MP are hosting an event on Monday 14^th May, from 5-7pm at the Freemantle Community Centre in Southampton.

'Parliament Talks...Energy’ is the latest in a series of free events and promotional activities highlighting Parliament's role in debating and challenging Government policy on energy.  This event will bring together members of the public and parliamentarians to discuss how Parliament contributes to the debate on energy issues and scrutinises Government policy, particularly when it comes to consumer engagement with energy companies.

This event is hosted by the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and the House of Commons Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change and will be part of the Committee’s upcoming inquiry into consumer engagement and will ask for the public’s views on their understanding of the energy industry.  It will start with an introduction and talk from the local MP, Dr Alan Whitehead, who is a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, followed by discussion groups on how energy companies engage with their customers and how much consumers know about their energy bills. 

How to attend

To find out more information or to register a place at this event, please contact the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service on:

E-mail: parliamentaryoutreach@parliament.uk 

Telephone: 020 7219 1650

Please include your name, the name of your organisation (if you will be representing one) your e-mail address and a contact telephone number.