Haringey Citizens' Assembly Campaign

Haringey Council

In an era of culture wars and disinformation, Citizens’ Assemblies are a powerful tool to help residents and councils reach considered and truly democratic conclusions in regard to complex and divisive issues.

Citizens’ Assemblies bring together residents, selected like a jury to include people of all types and backgrounds. They help people feel they are properly represented and listened to. They hear expert advice before bringing their independent and diverse knowledge, insight and conclusions back to the council. Importantly, they also give elected leaders assurance that they have a clear mandate.

Haringey Citizens’ Assembly Campaign is a coalition of local groups. We are open to all and welcome a full range of views in order to promote fairness and true democracy.


To: Haringey Council
From: [Your Name]

Citizens Assemblies are already being adopted by councils around London and beyond.

In late 2023, 100+ residents of Haringey came together to discuss how to build a thriving and sustainable future in Haringey in the face of the climate crisis, pollution, and the collapse of nature.

At a community meeting, hosted by Extinction Rebellion Haringey with support from the Haringey Community Action Network, residents listened to climate experts, the council, and local campaigners, then took part in group discussions on how to develop their concerns and ideas into actions, locally and nationally.

Out of these conversations evolved an agreement that we need a Haringey Citizens’ Assembly on equitable transport policies that help restore and protect our air.

THIS PETITION CALLS ON HARINGEY COUNCIL TO CONVENE A CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY ON EQUITABLE TRANSPORT POLICIES AND CLEAN AIR, USING THE POWER OF DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY TO HELP BRING RESIDENTS TOGETHER TO CREATE CONSENSUS-BASED SOLUTIONS TO THIS DIVISIVE TOPIC.

WHAT IS A CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY AND HOW DOES IT WORK:
A citizens' assembly is made up of people from different walks of life, selected like a jury and sorted into a group that mirrors Haringey’s population. It aims to include people of different ages, genders, work, income, ethnicity, religion, politics, borough, ward etc. It should be run by an independent organisation, free from interference by the council, lobbyists, corporations, or anyone else.

The Assembly’s job is to investigate an issue in depth by listening to wide-ranging evidence and views. Members of an Assembly are tasked to work together - they deliberate on the issue, then decide together how to move forward.

There are checks and balances in place (usually with an Advisory Panel) to make sure that the information presented to the assembly is wide-ranging and fair.

HOW CAN IT HELP?
For us, in Haringey, it gives us a voice in local plans – we all have the right to contribute. Because we take part, we feel more connected to our community and what happens to it. It helps to overcome difference and division by giving us the chance to learn, talk and decide together. It helps us ‘keep the faith’ in our democratic way of life.

For decision-makers, it supports and gives legitimacy to decisions made by councils, MPs etc. It improves decisions and plans that are made because a wide range of people take part in a Citizens’ Assembly. It keeps decision makers closely in touch with those they represent.

It responds to communities’ demand for more participation and collaboration. A Citizens’ Assembly on Democracy in the UK found that 90% of the participants wanted more Citizens' Assemblies so that decision-makers would better understand the views of the public.

CITIZENS ASSEMBLIES : INCLUSIVE, DIVERSE, INDEPENDENT DELIBERATION.
Haringey Citizens' Assembly Campaign