What is Deliberative Democracy? And how does it help? Does it Work?
- adrian75739
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
“I believe Council decisions should be made with the community, not just for them. One of the biggest challenges in local government is the gap between elected representatives and the community, what economists call the principal–agent problem.
We can solve this conundrum by bringing the public back into the heart of decision-making using a proven framework called Deliberative Democracy. This framework uses tools like citizens assemblies to help councillors make smarter, more balanced decisions that truly reflect community values — not just the loudest voices. It brings a true cross-section of our district together to discuss, learn, and recommend solutions on complex issues like growth, water, or affordability.
It rebuilds trust, keeps the Council aligned with the people it serves, and ensures decisions are made with the community, not for it.” It’s real democracy in action — informed, balanced, and community-led.” Adrian Sole
So here is a shortish summary of the framework and tools
Real Conversations. Better Decisions.
Deliberative Democracy — Listening Before Deciding
Our Council should make decisions with the community, not for it.
Deliberative democracy means creating the time and space for balanced, informed conversations — so we hear from more than just the loudest voices.
When people learn, listen, and deliberate together, we get better, fairer decisions that reflect our whole district — not just parts of it.
How it looks in practice:
Facilitated discussions before major projects or rate reviews
Online tools and workshops for community input
Genuine two-way engagement between councillors, staff, and residents
It’s democracy done properly — slower, smarter, and stronger.
Citizens’ Assembly
Definition:
A citizens’ assembly is a formal structure or event where a representative group of everyday citizens (often randomly selected, like a jury) come together to learn, deliberate, and make recommendations on a specific issue.
Key features:
Random selection to reflect the wider community (age, gender, ethnicity, geography, etc.)
Structured process with expert input, facilitated discussions, and evidence review
Focused on one or a few defined issues (e.g., climate policy, housing reform)
Produces clear recommendations for policymakers or the council
Time-limited — runs for weeks or months, then dissolves
Example: Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly on same-sex marriage and abortion, or New Zealand’s Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform (2006).
Deliberative Democracy
Definition:
A broader democratic philosophy and approach where public decision-making is informed by discussion, reasoning, and reflection, rather than just voting or lobbying.
Key features:
Focuses on inclusive, thoughtful dialogue rather than adversarial debate
Emphasises informed participation — people discuss issues after hearing evidence and others’ perspectives
Can occur through many forms — e.g., citizens’ assemblies, juries, panels, participatory budgeting, or even online deliberation platforms
Ongoing principle rather than a single event
Example: A council embedding deliberative methods across all major projects — holding multiple mini-publics, online discussions, and engagement sessions as standard practice.
In Short
Aspect | Citizens’ Assembly | Deliberative Democracy |
Type | Specific event or process | Broad system or philosophy |
Participants | Randomly selected representative citizens | Can include citizens, stakeholders, experts |
Purpose | Develop recommendations on a defined issue | Improve decision-making through public reasoning |
Duration | Temporary (weeks/months) | Continuous (principle of governance) |
Example | Climate Assembly UK | Ongoing participatory policy design in councils |
How They Connect
A citizens’ assembly is one tool used within a deliberative democracy framework, just like a jury is one mechanism within a justice system.
In Local Government Terms
Deliberative Democracy — the Principle
Deliberative democracy is a way of governing that places informed public dialogue at the centre of decision-making.
It’s about listening before deciding — ensuring that the community’s voice isn’t just collected through surveys or submissions, but understood through structured, balanced conversations.
How NPDC could apply it:
· Embedding deliberative engagement as a standard part of major projects and Long-Term Plan reviews.
· Using facilitated workshops or online deliberation tools to gather diverse, informed perspectives.
· Training elected members and staff to engage in listening-based governance, not just consultation.
Goal: To build trust, legitimacy, and better decisions through genuine two-way conversation with the community.
Citizens’ Assembly — the Tool
A citizens’ assembly is a practical expression of deliberative democracy.
It’s a structured, one-off event where a representative group of local residents are randomly selected to study, discuss, and recommend solutions on a particular issue.
How NPDC could use one:
· Example 1: Run a District Citizens Assembly Panel on Growth & Infrastructure — asking 50 (estimated) randomly selected residents to weigh options for managing growth, rates, and climate resilience.
· Example 2: A District Citizens Assembly Panel to shape local transport, safety, and recreation priorities.
The group would:
1. Hear from experts, council staff, and stakeholders.
2. Deliberate over evidence and trade-offs.
3. Produce recommendations that go to elected members for consideration.
Goal: To make complex or contested decisions more representative, transparent, and community-led.
Why It Matters
Traditional consultation often hears the loudest voices.
Deliberative democracy, and especially citizens’ assemblies, bring in the quieter middle — the people who don’t usually show up but represent the heart of the community.
It leads to:
· More balanced outcomes that reflect real community values
· Higher public trust in council decisions
· Better long-term buy-in for major projects and spending
Watch this informative TEDx Talk from George Zarkadakis on the subject.
Here is some data around - does it work?
