Use open democracy to address what matters to you

THIS month my rent has increased by £33 pounds a month.

It doesn't seem a lot but this is despite a continual effort to get my letting agents to address the harmful damp in the house and a leak in the bathroom ceiling which was for a number of months ‘fixed’ with a bin liner taped over the top of it.

I am one of 2,130 people who have signed an ePetition started by Living Rent Campaigner Diane Montgomery.

It has been argued that letting agency charges, short contracts and increased evictions mean the future is bleak for private renters.

This petition was presented at Brighton and Hove City Council’s full council meeting where it was discussed. Although I was at work when the meeting took place I watched it on the webcast.

This transparent approach to democracy is something Eric Pickles feels strongly about.

Strong enough that on August 6 he signed a Parliamentary order allowing press and public to film and digitally report from all public meetings of local government bodies.

It is an update on Margaret Thatcher’s 1960 law allowing written reporting of council meetings.

This should be an open invitation to not just journalists but active citizens locally to participate. So if like me you cannot attend but feel passionate about issues, watch these webcasts, comment, blog, tweet and get your opinion heard.

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