1. What is makeitanissue.org.uk and what will it actually do?

makeitanissue.org.uk is the campaign of The Power Inquiry. We believe that the the next phase of constitutional reform should be a more inclusive, democratic process that involves ordinary citizens. We also believe that leaving these issues to the politicians is no longer the answer. make it an issue seeks to campaign for this purpose. We aim first and foremost to elevate the debate surrounding the problems facing our democracy through our website and in events around the country. We hope to unite a community of people who not only believe that British democracy is in trouble, but who also want to do something positive about it.

Together we will intervene in key debates around democratic reform and, crucially, work to find solutions to these problems.

2. What is The Power Inquiry?

The Power Inquiry was set up in 2004 to explore how political participation and involvement can be increased and deepened in Britain. Its work is based on the primary belief that a healthy democracy requires the active participation of its citizens.
The Inquiry established a Commission under the chair of Helena Kennedy QC, to investigate why the decline in popular participation and involvement in formal politics has occurred and to provide concrete and innovative proposals to reverse the trend. The Commission published its final report, Power to the People, in February 2006. The report outlined 30 recommendations for change, but most importantly it argues that there is a need for a re-balancing of power between the Executive and Parliament, between Central and Local Government and between the Citizen and the State.

3. Who set it up and how is The Power Inquiry funded?

The Power Inquiry was set up by and gets its core funding from the The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and The Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Limited. They established The Power Inquiry in 2004 to mark their centenary. The Power Inquiry was formed to continue their work in funding and galvanising social and democratic reform. After the publication of Power to the People, and a strong popular call from people to do something about the problems we identified, the Trusts agreed to help fund a campaign to engage people in making change happen. We will raise further funds to help take the campaign around the country.

4. Does The Power Inquiry have a political bias?

No. The Power Inquiry is completely independent of any political party or organisation. We work across the political spectrum and, most importantly, with people who feel that the political parties do not represent them anymore.

5. How can I get involved?

By signing up to makeitanissue.org.uk you will receive regular updates on key debates as they happen and upcoming Power Inquiry events. The website has also been designed to encourage participation and interaction � we want you to get involved with our debates, read our book club selections and design your own events.

We are only as strong as the energy and effort you put into our site. So, help us to make as loud a noise as possible and together we can get heard.