Modern Local Government

Modern Local Government provides a systematic review of the reform of local government since 1997. This is done at different spatial scales from neighbourhoods to regions and sub-regions, with particular focus on the 'new localism'.

The text: sets reforms since 1997 in the context of the Thatcherite period - when the end of local government was widely predicted as powers and functions were stripped away, maps developments from 1997, and the new components which make up local government in England today, offers a view of local government from a central government perspective, analyses the weaknesses and risks which were seen to be a fundamental concern in 1997 and how they have been addressed. An authoritative guide to change, the book considers some of the possible futures for local government including Local Area Agreements, Local Public Service Boards and choice. Modern Local Government will be an essential resource for students and practitioners in planning, urban studies and politics.

About the Author:
Janice Morphet is Visiting Professor at UCL and an independent consultant to a number of public and private sector organisations