The questionnaire is a guide to drive, focus and target the collection of structured information for analysis.

The framework is focused not only on identifying problems or gaps in accountability but also on how these can be overcome. In order to devise possible actions leading towards reform, the assessment process needs to demonstrate a number of characteristics that allow a locally owned process to take place. More specifically, the framework is designed to be:

People expect their governments to deliver public services in an efficient manner that meets their needs and recognizes their human rights. People expect to be able to raise their concerns and to be listened to. This guide enables its users to assess the degree to which public service delivery is subject to democratic accountability checks and, based on that knowledge, identify areas of concrete action for improvement.

The State of Local Democracy Assessment Framework places citizens at the forefront of the democracy assessment process, with the aim of supporting home-grown policy initiatives and internally driven reform agendas. It is therefore a two-dimensional process, which combines research with inclusive dialogue and debate. It is intended to be as much an exercise in assessing the quality of democracy as an opportunity for citizens to further develop and deepen their local democracies.

A concept of democracy that is anchored in clear principles and values helps provide a framework for high-quality democracy against which localities can evaluate and measure themselves. Using a common set of democratic principles, such as popular control over public decision-making and equality among citizens, is important throughout all phases of the State of Local Democracy assessment.