Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper is motivated by the need to understand the reality of the use of the now well-established opportunities offered by the internet to engage with citizens. Building on previous research this paper derives a framework tailored for evaluation of e-participation and internet usage by representative bodies at the community or hyperlocal level which was applied in a survey of the use of Scotland’s Community Councils (CCs). The survey found a generally low level of use and engagement with citizens with even the actually existing websites hosting one-way communication, with only a small minority hosting online discussion and opinion-gathering. A significant factor in the richness of contet is association with other local community groups. Findings are contextualised with reference to other European examples and research indicating a number of contributing factors. The report concludes by suggesting an agenda for further research.