Flickr/Ewan-M. Some rights reserved.
It's often said that real, people-based democracy can only exist at a local level. This is a glimpse of real democracy in action in Brockley Ward, Lewisham.
Some years ago, Lewisham Council took the unusual step of making a certain amount of money available to each ward; this year, £15,000 for each of the 18 wards. Residents decide what to do with this money by discussion, argument and voting in local assemblies. The result is some amazing (mostly voluntary) hard work by residents, some wonderful improvements, some fun and well-attended assembly meetings, and a sense of real community for those who get involved.
