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.
Show moreAusterity 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.
Show moreIntroduction;
Learning from history;
Injustice;
An ethical framework for local government;
Reclaiming local democracy;
Recapturing discourse;
The future.
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.
Newman delivers on her proposal to provide an ethically driven framework for future local government, drawing on a wide range of theorists, research and international examples on the way. Professor Helen Sullivan, University of Melbourne; "A timely, widely researched and deeply considered call to arms! With fundamental values, democracy and justice underpinning her argument, Newman offers a compelling ethical and practical lodestar to local government." Dame Jane Roberts, Chair of the Councillor Commission and Chair of NLGN "A timely and fascinating book ... should be read by all those who share a commitment to effective democratic local government" John Tizard, Huffington Post blog "[Newman's] ethical framework is an important contribution to the reconstruction of public services and local government." Red Pepper "Ines Newman develops a refreshing and powerful argument for local government and local democracy, which places it at the heart of a progressive political vision rather than leaving it as an afterthought once all the big decisions have been made at national level." Regional Studies
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