"Around the world - including the UK - new policies and innovations in public participation are re-shaping the contours of how and where citizens engage with public institutions. Drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives on social movements, deliberative democracy and institutional design, this book provides us rich empirical case studies from across the UK of what actually happens when publics and ... Read morepublic bodies engage with one another. In so doing, the authors skilfully interrogate whether and how these new participatory spaces can fulfil their claims to empower citizens, improve public services and re-vitalise political life. An excellent and challenging read, the book should become a core text for students, practitioners and policy makers everywhere who are concerned with exploring the transformative possibilities of citizen participation and inclusive democracy." John Gaventa, Professor, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK Show Less