British Local Government into the 21st Century

GERRY STOKER is Professor of Politics, University of Manchester, UK.DAVID WILSON is Professor of Public Administration and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, De Montfort University, UK.

• Introduction; G.Stoker & D.WilsonPART ONE: GOVERNANCE AND POLITICSNew Patterns of Central-Local Government Relations; D.WilsonThe New Governance of Communities; C.SkelcherStrengthening Political Leadership? More Than Mayors; P.JohnLiberated or Lost Souls: Is There a Role for Non-executive Councillors?; S.SnapePolitical Parties at the Local Level; S.LeachThe Local Bureaucrat: A Block to Reform or a Key to Unlocking Change?; F.GainsPART TWO: DEVELOPMENTS IN SERVICE PROVISION AND FINANCEEducation No Longer a Role for Local Government?; K.DonnellyGoverning Health and Social Care; K.A.Clarke & S.HarrisonRethinking Planning and Housing; A.MurieLocal Government Finance: Busy Going Nowhere?; T.TraversPART THREE: PROSPECTS AND PERSPECTIVESRegionalism and the Challenge for Local Authorities; J.TomaneyCommunity Governance and Local Government: A Shoe that Fits or the Emperor's New Clothes?; H.SullivanReturning to Local Governance in Healthcare?; K.WalsheInstitutions, Politics and People: Making Local Politics Work; L.PratchettReformers or Recidivists: Has Local Government Really Changed?; V.LowndesConclusions: New Ways of Being Local Government; G.Stoker & D.Wilson.

"'[A] hugely impressive book... comprehensive and authoritative... Bringing together important and insightful assessments by the foremost researchers in the field on the impacts and prospects of New Labour's reforms'. - Professor Steve Martin, Cardiff University"