When people say they are not interested in politics it is not true. Almost everything they encounter day-to-day and moan about or praise is a result of a political decision. What they are not interested in any more are party politics and the tedious, personal attack, adversarial style...slagging off the opposition, blaming the opposite bench for problems rather than properly debated issues based on research, facts and reasoned argument or offering constructive options.
I also think that the move to cabinet style of running local councils has limited opportunities for potential national politicians to learn the art of debate, the ability to properly research and of the feeling that 'they can make a difference' to issues they really care about.
I am sure this has cut down on meeting time etc but most decisions are made outside of any council meetings which are now just the public process of rubber stamping decisions. This 'behind closed doors' politics is another of the reasons the general public are less engaged with political decisions as it all feels like a 'fait accompli'