Instead of encouraging political participation, party conferences in Brighton leave local residents feeling disconnected from politics, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr). This conclusion is based on the results of a public involvement event involving 85 residents of Brighton and Hove and hosted on Saturday by the ippr and its new urban research unit, the Centre for Cities.

The event, a combination of voting and structured discussion, included a wide range of people and explored issues around work, the local economy, public services and how people felt about the city. Asked how they felt about party conference coming to Brighton, over a third thought it was good, 46 per cent were "not bothered" and 20 per cent said it was a bad thing. Discussion revealed resentment about conferences taking over parts of the city and increased fears about security while people felt parties did little or nothing to engage local residents.

Miranda Lewis, who runs ippr's public involvement team said:

"The day revealed a paradox about modern politics. Here were over 80 people giving up part of their weekend and a beautiful day to talk constructively and passionately about how they felt about their city, the economy and local services. Yet nearly all felt cut off from the politics going on at conference. Political parties need to listen to these voices and do more to connect with the communities they visit at conference."

ippr will be sharing its findings at conference and is writing up a detailed analysis of the day to be sent to local agencies. What has emerged already is a theme of untapped potential, and not just in relation to political engagement. The vast majority (85 per cent) were positive about living in Brighton and Hove. However, only 25 per cent were similarly positive about working in Brighton, with the others saying it was either OK (39 per cent) or bad (36 per cent).

There was widespread consensus that career opportunities were relatively limited despite a strong graduate community. Concern was also expressed about the economy being vulnerable due to its dependency on retail, tourism, seasonal work and only one or two large businesses. Some participants said Brighton and Hove was a good place for small businesses because of it proximity to London and lower wage levels. However, there was widespread concern about the gap between the standard of living - particularly the lack of affordable housing - and pay.

When asked how long they intended to stay living in Brighton, 44 per cent said more than ten years, 41 per cent three to nine years and 15 per cent under three years. For some, moving would be driven by not being able to afford housing or develop their careers.

Dermot Finch, Director of ippr's Centre for Cities said:

"Brighton and Hove is a city where many people choose to live and there is a huge commitment to the place. At the same time, what we heard was a lot of wasted potential where graduates and skilled workers struggle to remain. While most people seemed to accept the downsides of being a magnet for newcomers and tourists, there was a strong sense that the council could do more to maximise benefits for all residents across all areas."

ippr asked about public services. People were relatively positive but did raise issues about the price of bus travel, poor litter and recycling systems and a lack of choice in secondary schools. The beach and surrounding area were seen to bring lots of benefits while concern was expressed about the amount of traffic and lack of parking. Over two thirds (68 per cent) did not think city status had made a difference.

Finally, the group shared a pride in Brighton and Hove as a tolerant and diverse place and 68 per cent expressed concern about income inequality and social division. However, there was relatively little knowledge about the poorer areas - in particular the estates on the outskirts - amongst the more affluent residents.

Notes to editors:

•A short report based on this event will be available shortly at www.ippr.org/centreforcities

•ippr has a presence at all three party conferences and will be hosting a series of policy breakfasts, fringe debates and evening events throughout party conference.