Alma Economics was commissioned by the Welsh Government to examine how socio-economic factors impact individuals’ ability to participate in local democracy and run for elected office in devolved elections in Wales. The study aimed to understand key barriers to participation to inform future policy on increasing diversity in democratic participation.

To do so, we conducted an exploratory review of academic literature, policy and data, alongside interviews with Welsh Government officials. This was followed by focus groups and interviews with experts and practitioners, including academics, political party representatives, and support organisations. The final stage involved surveys and interviews with elected representatives, candidates, and Welsh citizens.

Findings were categorised using the Equality and Human Rights Commission (2019) framework of recruitment barriers, resource barriers, and reaction barriers, alongside proposals to address barriers to democratic participation in Wales.

Read the final report here.