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Living with Ambiguity: The Relationship Between Central and Local Government
Living with Ambiguity The Relationship Between Central and Local Government Author:David Walker What is the future for local authorities; their relationship with central government and with the communities they represent? This report addresses these issues by examining the role of local authorities in relation to central government and exploring the tensions between "local diversity" and "national standards". Based on a "vision document" p... more »repared by the author on the future of local government and a recent round table event, the report highlights how local government's need to respond to local demand works against central government's increasing requirements that all communities should receive an equal, standardised service. It discusses the debate around what powers local authorities might gain or lose in the future, and considers the growing use of external bodies, such as the Audit Commission, to monitor and take over delivery of key local services. The book also explores the relationship between the public and local government, highlighting the balance of trust between local and national government and the electorate and examining the problems of stimulating public interest in local government. This report gives a comprehensive overview of how local government may develop in prospective years, and provides a forum for future debate.« less