1,199 people reported having been in contact with their local MP or the local government in the last twelve months.

Most in demand was South Hams District Council (1,042 people), then Devon County Council (412), Totnes Town Council (286) and the MP (217).

The reasons for contact were varied, but the highest proportion concerned planning or housing matters.

People were also asked whether they felt their elected representatives were interested in their views and took them seriously.

Totnes Town Council came out best, with 66% of those expressing an opinion feeling that town councillors were interested, or very interested.

Only 35% thought that their County Councillor was interested or very interested. The large variation between councils is not totally unexpected because respondents are more likely to know their District Councillors, as they are more ‘local’ (and more numerous!) than their County Councillor, and even more likely to know Town Councillors for the same reasons.

In general, people’s frustrations were evident, with many commenting that their requests were ignored, or treated lightly.

People expressed a general willingness to be more involved in local democracy.

Better access to information and clearer information would encourage 1,381 (77%) and 1,144 (64%) people respectively to get more involved in local decision-making.

Indeed, 1,371 people (85%) supported the idea of a community noticeboard.

In addition, 181 people said that better childcare facilities would enable them to play a greater part in the democratic process. Although not a large number in terms of overall responses, it is sufficient to indicate the presence of a group who may feel themselves to be marginalised.

Various other schemes were suggested in the questionnaire for enabling people to feel more involved in the community and decisions relating to it.

1,505 people (82% of respondents to this question) supported a call for a public question time at District Council meetings.

In addition, 1,180 people thought some kind of Community Forum (working in partnership with the local council) was important/worth doing.

There was also support for a community radio station (764) and a video newsletter (224). The case was also argued for "some education in how citizens can participate in local democracy".

Two-thirds of young people (particularly 11-18 year olds) say they are never asked for their opinions. Even when they are asked, one-third say their comments and suggestions are never acted on.

Young people feel that their opinions do not matter, that they are not valued as a part of the community and that they are excluded from opportunities to influence decisions about what happens locally.

Several people expressed a concern that this may alienate young people from the democratic process later in life. It may also be one of the causes of apathy, vandalism, and drunkenness among young people.

Schemes that have worked well in other parts of the country were alluded to - Youth Forums/Councils and drop-in centres where young people get involved in decision- making themselves, and initiate their own projects and activities.