Lonely Citizens

Article

This report points to the deep structural and cultural changes needed if we are to engage more citizens in government and the public realm. These citizens play an indispensable role in holding power to account and ensuring that public services and government are responsive to the views and values of citizens.

This report focuses on active citizenship as civic participation in politics and governance rather than volunteering or acting as a good neighbour. Its argument starts with the claim that while the UK and democracies like ours rely on expert representatives and professional civil institutions to defend the public interest, they also require active citizens.

These citizens play an indispensable role in holding power to account and ensuring that public services and government are responsive to the views and values of citizens.

Related items

  1. Bridge to the future: how to get the NHS through the winter and ready for reform

    NHS staff across the country are gritting their teeth. Christmas parties have come and gone, but a more threatening annual tradition looms once again – the NHS ‘winter crisis’. This period, renowned for long waits and increased mortality,…

  2. The great enabler: transport’s role in tackling environmental crises and delivering progressive change

    In this special issue of IPPR Progressive Review we bring together leading political, academic and civil society thinkers to consider transport in modern Britain and its role in delivering a healthier, greener, more prosperous and…

  3. The shape of devolution

    How do we create transparent, fair and practical footprints for local power across England?