Myth 1: Engagement is too expensive This has been an often-repeated concern, but is becoming more common as budgets are cut and the impacts start to bite. It costs money to bring people…
Myth 2: Citizens aren't up to it Distrust of the capacity of citizens runs deep in governments. Edmund Burke said that a representative would betray his constituents if he (for it…
Myth 3: Engagement only works for easy issues There are those who agree with engagement in principle but don’t think it is applicable in their particular area. Engagement is seen as being for…
Myth 4: Citizen power is a floodgate we should avoid at all costs There is a deep running fear of citizens in parts of government. Citizens are often seen as a baying mob or unruly mass. Often the metaphor that…
Myth 5: Citizens don’t want to be involved, they just want good service It is sometimes suggested that engagement is a waste of time and money because citizens don’t care or are too busy to participate. In the UK, the…
