By Ben Page This article was first published in Public Management and Policy and is reproduced by permission of the Association. http://www.cipfa.org.uk/pmpa/index.cfm Much has been done in recent years to develop more citizen-focused public services. Public participation is vital for developing a citizen-focus, but there have been varying degrees of failure to engage the public. The author looks at the reasons for the lack of public interest and suggests ways to improve engagement, including making councillors more effective.