One of the primary objectives of the 2007 candidate survey was to measure the nature and level of support among candidates for measures designed to broaden the social base of elected councillors. Local councils are sometimes criticised for being dominated by white, middle-aged, retired men.
The survey explored the reasons for under-recruitment amongst women, younger people, as well as Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic people.
Positive action measures, such as a guaranteed proportion of council seats reserved for women and party quotas for women were rejected by a large majority of respondents. Among those expressing an opinion, the ratio was six to one against such measures being introduced.
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