Explaining local government

Local government in Britain since 1800

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Local Government
Cover of the book Explaining local government by J. A. Chandler, Manchester University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J. A. Chandler ISBN: 9781847795892
Publisher: Manchester University Press Publication: July 19, 2013
Imprint: Manchester University Press Language: English
Author: J. A. Chandler
ISBN: 9781847795892
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Publication: July 19, 2013
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Language: English

Explaining local government uniquely presents a history of local government in Britain since 1800 until the present day. The study explains how the institution evolved from a structure that appeared to be relatively free from central government interference to, as John Prescott observes, 'one of the most centralised systems of government in the Western world'. The book is accessible to A level and undergraduate students as an introduction to the development of local government in Britain but also balances values and political practice to provide a unique explanation, using primary research, of the evolution of the system. The volume begins with an analysis of the structure of local government prior to 1832. Subsequent chapters chart its development to the more uniform system of the late nineteenth century. It is then argued that the emergence of a 'New Liberal' national welfare state and the growth of the Labour Party created pressures within Whitehall and Westminster for substantive controls over local governments. This has led post-1945 to the creation of larger less local units and further restraints on local autonomy. In addition electoral competition among national parties to offer better public services ensured that national leaders could not leave local authorities to administer to local needs as they see fit. The conclusion compares the development of British centralism with the pattern of central local development and the relative conservatism in re-structuring the systems in the United States and France and argues that the Blair Government may now realise the need for greater local autonomy and neighbourhood politics but as yet is struggling to reconcile this value with its concern to steer improvements in service delivery.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Explaining local government uniquely presents a history of local government in Britain since 1800 until the present day. The study explains how the institution evolved from a structure that appeared to be relatively free from central government interference to, as John Prescott observes, 'one of the most centralised systems of government in the Western world'. The book is accessible to A level and undergraduate students as an introduction to the development of local government in Britain but also balances values and political practice to provide a unique explanation, using primary research, of the evolution of the system. The volume begins with an analysis of the structure of local government prior to 1832. Subsequent chapters chart its development to the more uniform system of the late nineteenth century. It is then argued that the emergence of a 'New Liberal' national welfare state and the growth of the Labour Party created pressures within Whitehall and Westminster for substantive controls over local governments. This has led post-1945 to the creation of larger less local units and further restraints on local autonomy. In addition electoral competition among national parties to offer better public services ensured that national leaders could not leave local authorities to administer to local needs as they see fit. The conclusion compares the development of British centralism with the pattern of central local development and the relative conservatism in re-structuring the systems in the United States and France and argues that the Blair Government may now realise the need for greater local autonomy and neighbourhood politics but as yet is struggling to reconcile this value with its concern to steer improvements in service delivery.

More books from Manchester University Press

Cover of the book John McGahern by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Inequality and Democratic Egalitarianism by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Medical misadventure in an age of professionalisation, 1780–1890 by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Russian-American relations in the post-Cold War world by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book State of play by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book The Lancashire witches by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book The challenge of defending Britain by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Film modernism by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book The Kosovo crisis and the evolution of a post-Cold War European security by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Cultures of violence by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book The Judas kiss by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Reframing health and health policy in Ireland by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Recognition and Global Politics by J. A. Chandler
Cover of the book Travel and the British country house by J. A. Chandler
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy