Tag: Local Government
The recent history of accountability in the English state school system has been one of struggle over meaning and participation
Recent years have seen significant changes in the realm of school accountability. Responding to earlier debate on Democratic Audit, Andrew Wilkins discusses the profound ideological struggles at the heart of reforms. The professionalization of school governance that comes with greater autonomy present a challenge to traditional forms of accountability and may affect engagement with important local […]
Want a 50% turnout in a local election? Try Neighbourhood Planning
The government has introduced powers for local councils and community organisations to put new neighbourhood plans to a referendum of local voters. Chris Game has studied the referendums that have been held so far, and finds encouraging evidence of public engagement with the process. Turnouts of over 50% in local elections, unless they coincide with […]
One year in, Bristol’s Mayoral experiment is making a difference to the city’s governance
Today, the independent Elected Mayor of Britsol, George Ferguson, gives his first “State of the City” address. One year on from his election, David Sweeting argues that it remains to be seen whether the decision to adopt the new system will lead to higher engagement with local politics, it has already begun a process of […]
The proposal for a global parliament of mayors reflects their distinctive, locally-rooted form of legitimacy
American political theorist Benjamin Barber has proposed a greater role for mayors in global governance, reflecting the many ways in which cities are dealing with global issues. Alex Marsh examines the proposal and considers how the form of legitimacy enjoyed by elected mayors – although these remain rare in the UK – differs in important […]
Increased opportunities for corruption plus reduced accountability equals a dangerous recipe for local government
A recent report from Transparency International UK highlights increased opportunities for corruption and reduced accountability for local authorities. Nick Maxwell examines the legislative and policy changes that are contributing to the increased risks of corruption, and argues for the consideration of corrective and preventative policy measures. Similar PostsHow transparent and free from corruption is UK government?The government […]
The Scottish push towards local democracy carries potential unintended costs
The prospect of independence for Scotland is being treated by campaigners as an opportunity to instigate meaningful political and constitutional reform, including a major devolution of powers to local and municipal Government. But, argues Professor Paul Cairney, while it isn’t clear what the respective roles of the different tiers of Government will be, there are […]
The debate on accountability of public service partnerships needs to be evidence based
The Democratic Audit blog has previously carried articles on government outsourcing by Stephen Wilks and Dan Silver – who argued that the government policy in this area has real implications for democracy. In response, Simon Parker of the New Local Government Network said that opponents of outsourcing were fighting the last war. Here, in response to Parker, Simon […]
Those who argue outsourcing endangers accountability are still fighting the last war
Critics of the practice of outsourcing – paying external organisations to provide public services – point to a lack of democratic accountability and public service ethos in justifying their view. But is this fair? Simon Parker, the Director of the New Local Government Network think tank, and a veteran of the CBI’s Public Services Strategy […]
The drive toward outsourcing public services is bypassing democratic oversight
The Coalition Government has fully and enthusiastically embraced the practice of ‘outsourcing’ through the Open Public Services agenda. But what are the democratic implications? Daniel Silver of the Social Action & Research Foundation argues that, despite protestations to the contrary, the evidence shows that outsourcing allows accountability to effectively bypass democratic control, often leaving service […]
Women are held back in local government by a culture that pigeonholes us into ‘women’s issues’
Local government remains a male-dominated world, with men making up a majority of both total and senior roles. If we are to achieve an equal balance, local government needs to make jobs and elected roles in the sector easier to access for those with other commitments, and stop pigeonholing women, says Laura Wilkes of the […]
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