Policy Press

Reclaiming Local Democracy

A Progressive Future for Local Government

By Ines Newman

Published

May 7, 2014

Page count

208 pages

ISBN

978-1447308904

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 7, 2014

Page count

208 pages

ISBN

978-1447308911

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 7, 2014

Page count

208 pages

ISBN

978-1447312185

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 7, 2014

Page count

208 pages

ISBN

978-1447312192

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Reclaiming Local Democracy

Austerity has left local government struggling to meet the demands for local services. In this context, this book asks ‘what are the fundamental principles that should guide decision-making by local councillors and officers?’ It seeks to move the agenda from ‘what works?’ to ‘what should local government do?’ and ‘how will its policies impact on social justice and local democracy?'.

Reclaiming local democracy examines the politics of human need and argues that local government should provide a voice for those that lack power. It avoids the dry, familiar debate about what structures and powers local government should have, instead seeking to energise all concerned to re-engage with a political and ethical approach. Written in a persuasive and accessible way, the book examines how local government can develop active citizens and make a difference to the well-being of those in disadvantaged areas – truly 'reclaiming local democracy'.

Combining theory and international practice, it will be relevant for councillors, policy officers and activists in the third sector, as well as academics and students in politics and social policy.

Ines Newman has a background in town planning and local economic development. She was Head of Policy at the Local Government Information Unit (1999-2007) and Principal Research Fellow, Local Government Centre, Warwick Business School (2007-2012). She is currently Visiting Senior Research Associate at De Montfort University. Ines Newman is co-editor of Promoting social cohesion, Policy Press, 2011.

Introduction;

Learning from history;

Injustice;

An ethical framework for local government;

Reclaiming local democracy;

Recapturing discourse;

The future.