Democracy and Neighbourhoods

DEMOCRACY AND NEIGHBOURHOODS
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Democracy and Neighbourhoods
Introduction
The primary element in several initiatives remains in the manner in which communities and individual citizens are engaged in the process of governance within their areas. The initiation of community activities therefore require the involvement and multispectral partnerships of several key players that include the community, private, charity and voluntary sectors (Barnes, Sullivan & Newman, 2014, pp.268). These partnerships are therefore considered as essential systems within the local governance system. It is significantly essential to point out that these community involvements through partnerships and the manner in which they engage portray the element of democracy.
In addressing some of the societal issues, it is important to initiate the traditional democratic theory in as much as challenges may be exhibited in balancing the prospects of participative and representative democracy (Beattie, Osborne & Williamson, 2011, pp.354). This paper therefore seeks to conduct a study on the element of democracy and Neighbourhoods, with the aim of establishing governance structures and participation are involved in the process.
Neighbourhood Planning in the Context of the UK
In establishing the nature of democracy in Neighbourhoods within England in the context of the state's Neighbourhood agenda, several tensions have been experienced in identifying the significant forms of democracy through the initiation and analysis of programs within England's Neighbourhood Renewal Agenda (Somerville, Van Beckhoven, & Van Kempen, 2012, pp.32). It is noted that, the primary emphasis on the element of Neighbourhood governance is directed towards reconfiguring the state's local democratic systems within the Neighbourhood level, an aspect that is considered to present the potential widespread participation and engagement of citizens.
In order to achieve this, the government needs to ensure appropriate measures are employed towards making Neighbourhood arrangements that should be compliant and consistent with the local delegated democratic systems (Lowndes & Sullivan, 2014, pp.352). However, it has been considered that the government's prescription of governance in England remains vague on establishing the nature of democracy within its initiatives.
Evolution of Neighbourhood Governance as a Result of Localism
In establishing the parties involved in England's Neighbourhood governance structure, aimed at establishing public and government reforms, it is essential to consider that the state has been dedicated in devolving its decision making process and public service delivery within the Neighbourhood level (Robinson, & Shaw, 2011, pp.475). These reforms are initiated by social, political, and managerial goals. Stanton (2014) asserts that the goals are directed towards enabling the local government to be responsive and accountable to the local communities, thus building social capital that enhances the cost-efficiency of local services (pp.263). The key players involved in this process include the Local Government, Department Communities, and the citizen's participation...