The Democracy Matters phase two consultation provides another opportunity for as many voices as possible to be heard to help shape future local democratic systems and processes. You can respond as an individual, an organisation or you can hold a conversation and respond as a community.

You can read the consultation document here and there is also an easy-read version and a Gaelic translation.

Phase two of Democracy Matters focuses on six key themes and questions:

• Powers
• Representation
• Accountability and Participation
• Setting local boundaries and priorities
• Standards, reources and relationships
• Nurturing community capacities

You can also hold community events and submit a response to the consultation as a community. If you feel you could benefit from financial support to hold a Democracy Matters conversation, grants of up to £300 are available to help with anything that would be required to get a conversation going. The Scottish Government has also created a facilitation document, to help you guide these community conversations.

When you are ready to submit your response, you can do so online. The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2024.