THE first ‘South Hams Conversation’ - held on Monday at the Methodist Hall in Kingsbridge - saw Peter Macfayden relaying his experiences of transforming local democracy in his hometown of Frome in Somerset.

The meeting was organised jointly by the South Hams Society and Save the Kings Arms, and was attended by a cross-section of people from across the area.

Peter co-founded the Independents for Frome group at the end of 2010, beginning a local revolution that eventually saw a coalition of independent councillors being elected to control all 17 seats of the council in 2015.

He has written a book about his experiences, ‘Flatpack Democracy - a DIY guide to creating independent politics’ - which functions as both a history of what has been achieved in Frome, as well as a guide to others looking to create grassroots, democratic change at a local level.

Alison Murdoch, chair of SATKA explained: ‘There are many similarities between Kingsbridge and Frome - they share similar issues with planning and development, and both have a high proportion of small shops - although Frome is four times bigger, with a population of 25,000.’

Peter describes himself as a reluctant, accidental politician explaining: ‘I didn’t set out to enter politics. I think there is a lot of confusion over what politics is. I see the problems most people associate with politics as being problems with party politics, not politics itself.’

Peter explained that many people are ‘turned off’ from local politics, by a ‘system out of touch with the lives of ordinary people, designed in the Victorian era with incomprehensible language.’

He touched on how intimidating the system can be, particularly for people wishing to address councillors at a public forum.

Peter told a story of how, following a complaint he received for wearing shorts at a meeting, at the next meeting, five councillors turned up wearing shorts in a show of solidarity.

Peter has also become something of a poster boy for the Localism Act 2011, even being taken out for lunch by Eric Pickles. He explained that one of the empowering features of the act was the ‘powers of general competence’ - meaning councils can do anything that is legal, apart from raising an army or taxes!

At Frome council, they quadrupled funding to voluntary groups from £30,000 to £120,000 - which has had a significant and lasting impact on community projects in the town, and freed up groups to put energy into their work, as opposed to constantly fundraising.

They also took advantage of very low interest rates, and borrowed £1.5 million to invest in the town.

Peter went on to explain his frustration of how often ideological ideas are dictated from above by the ‘party line’ - for example this era of austerity, which is adopted universally and unquestioned at all levels of politics.

Peter said that Kingsbridge is fortunate not to have party politics dictating town council policy, describing its influence as ‘corrosive and a distraction.’

Peter asked the question, ‘when will this level rise up?’ explaining that well-functioning local councils ought to put pressure on the district council, as opposed to district councillors giving a lecture on what’s going to happen to town and parish councils.

Addressing the problem of lack of interest and engagement at the lowest level of democracy, Peter said: ‘Once the council seems better engaged, the new town council will become the place to be.’

Peter describes the new system in Frome as ‘participatory democracy not representational’ explaining that we ‘listen and continuously consult with the local community, take a few risks and have a bit of courage.’

For further information, visit the website www.flatpackdemocracy.co.uk.