Modern Local Government is a unique assessment of local government reform from the perspective of both local and central government, which is fully informed an analysis of the role of the European Union. This text provides a systematic review of the reform of local government since the election of New Labour in 1997.

Great Expectations – The Position in 1997

Great expectations – The position in 1997

Introduction

The election success of a Labour government in 1997, its scale and manner, brought with it both a significant degree of expectation and ‘baggage’. From the perspective of local authorities, the long period during which they had many of their powers removed and their role reduced was over. Local authorities considered that their right to govern had been undermined (Stoker 2004) and had been taken over by both central government and a series of quangos. Additionally, there was a view that local government's role was increasingly being invaded by the private sector and that increasing pressure on delivery was being accompanied by reduced funding. Local authorities remained dependent on central government for ...

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