Our Manifesto

At the minute, we don’t have a genuine say in any of the decisions that affect OUR community, OUR livelihoods, OUR health…

Most of the time we don’t get consulted about changes – even when we do, our views are ignored! Decisions are handed down to us. Where’s the democracy in that?

If you agree and want to change this, then Citizens Assembly South Tyneside (CAST) is right by your side!

By standing together, CAST can become a strong, independent, DEMOCRATIC force. As an Assembly member YOU can help create a badly-needed, democratic voice in South Tyneside - a voice which CAN’T be ignored.

CAST pledges to:

• represent the diverse views of ALL of the communities of South Tyneside
• campaign to protect services, amenities and the environment
• hold to account the work of ALL local public bodies
• learn from and respond to community concerns about local issues
• develop, propose and campaign for policies to enhance the well-being of the WHOLE community

CAST is NOT a ‘talking shop’ or a place to come and complain about things. By working together, CAST can attract expert advice and funding and by pooling our skills and knowledge, we can develop policies that will benefit the whole of our community.

We are NOT party political - we warmly welcome all members who simply support the development of a truly inclusive and representative DEMOCRATIC system.

Just 3 reasons you should join CAST:

• UNITY is our strength! A strong, diverse Assembly will strengthen OUR community
• reach a wider audience with your ideas and campaigns
• as an Assembly member YOU will create a badly-needed, democratic voice in South Tyneside.

When political representatives and institutions are condemned in the eyes of the public and voter turnout is low, you know we have a serious democratic deficit not only in our own region but throughout the whole country. Nationally, our democracy is broken and there is an urgent need for PEOPLE to create community-based representative Assemblies to fill the vacuum.

CAST was founded in October 2019 and we will be launching in July 2020. Our accountable Coordinating and Working Groups are preparing campaign proposals.

Membership of CAST is open to all those who support the aims set out in our constitution.

CAST is unique – an innovative, creative LOCAL response to the lack of inclusive democratic in the borough.