Modern Local Government [Paperback]

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.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 1997.1 Introduction
Why local government?
The debate on central-local relations
The context of local government reform
How do they do it elsewhere?
The notion of social capital
The relationship between local performance and the economy
2Great Expectations - the position in 1997
The view of local government: the legacy of expectation
The view of the 1997 New Labour Government: the legacy of fear
Paving the way for reform
Real issues on the agenda - which key issues did local authorities face in 1997
3The new approach to decision making in local government
The new Council Constitutions
Electoral arrangements
The role of the Council
The role of the Executive
Scrutiny and overview
The emerging roles of local councillors
Reforming local government representation at the centre
4Promoting well being and the community's interest
Understanding the role of a general power of competence - the European Charter of self-governance
The duty to promote the economic, social and environmental well being of the communities being servedlӎ