The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) has called on political parties to help rebuild trust in local democracy.

The think-tank has published a new report, Municipal Futures, which calls for firm commitments in the general election manifestos next year to show how the main parties will devolve power.

Comment: 

If political parties were to make three 'golden promises' in their election manifesto, where the breach of these specific promises would force a general election within two months, then people would be more inclined to believe them and there would be some level of accountability.

Also, if voters were allowed to vote for more than one party (such as with approval voting) then we would not feel forced to vote for parties based on their likelihood of succeeding, and could vote for all parties that we agree with. This would certainly help boost voting now that the biggest three parties are seen as having little in common with people and it would also help keep the hatemonger parties out by allowing people to vote for everyone else at the same time.

Robert Thornton-Kaye, Customer Service Advisor, Lincolnshire County Council