Written Statement: Research into the socio-economic influences on democratic participation in Wales

The Welsh Government is taking steps to increase democratic participation and ensure more people take an active role in the political process – whether that be through voting or standing for election. 

This range from reducing the voting age to sixteen to making it a statutory duty to provide financial assistance to support disabled people with the additional costs of standing for elected office. Just this week, we published the Diversity and Inclusion Guidance to support political parties to encourage people from underrepresented groups to put themselves forward for selection. The Guidance encourages political parties to produce diversity and inclusion strategies at least six months before the 2026 Senedd elections and to collect and publish anonymised diversity information on Senedd candidates following the election.  

As Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, I am keen to ensure we understand any barriers preventing people from getting involved in local democracy. That’s why I’ve commissioned Alma Economics to conduct research into the impact of socio-economic influences on democratic participation in Wales, to better understand the barriers people are facing to engaging in our democracy and how these might be addressed in the future. The work will also consider the impact of such factors on people standing for elected office in devolved elections in Wales. 

The research may consider how financial constraints, a lack of access to political knowledge, societal attitudes, and discrimination may hinder or discourage individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds or marginalised groups from pursuing elected positions. 

By identifying and addressing these barriers, we create an environment that encourages candidates from diverse and varied backgrounds to stand for elections, ultimately leading to more representative and effective governance. This is also in line with the commencement of the socio-economic duty which was enacted in 2021, to encourage better decision making and deliver better outcomes for those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.

It is important this research is informed by as many views as possible. It will therefore include engaging with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including members of the public, third sector organisations and elected members. 

I know many Members share my determination to ensure that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to fully participate in democracy.

I would encourage Members who are interested in sharing their views and experiences to inform this research to contact Alma Economics directly and register their interest in participating. 

The contact details are:

Eleni Kotsira eleni.kotsira@almaeconomics.com

I look forward to sharing the outcome of this research with Members later this year.