Local Government and Thatcherism (Routledge Revivals)

The 1980s witnessed an unprecedented series of initiatives aimed at transforming the role and manner of local government operations in Britain. First published in 1990, Local Government and Thatcherism provides a clear and up-to-date framework for understanding the impact of ‘Thatcherism’ on local government during this period and explores future prospects.

The authors examine the effect of the ‘Thatcher Revolution’ on the policy and practice of local government, looking at the role of ideology in key policy areas such as finance, public services, local economic development, race, and decentralization. Beginning with an analysis of the evolution of local government, the authors situate Thatcherism in the context of ‘Municipal Toryism’, and discuss changes in local finance, including the introduction of the community charge. They focus on changes in public policy, particularly innovations like grant-maintained schools and Housing Action Trusts and look in detail at economic regeneration and equal opportunities, two areas in local policy development which are increasingly under threat from centralizing tendencies. The authors conclude that the revolution in local government is aimed at nothing less than recasting the local socio-political order and political process. Coming to terms with these challenges, they believe, will change the face of local government in 1990s; the contract authority, the enterprising authority, and the business-corporatist authority.

Lucid and stimulating, this discussion will be invaluable to students of British politics, and public and social administration, and to all those who wish to know more about the future of local government.

Hugh Butcher, at the time of the first publication, was Head of the Department of Applied and Community Studies, Bradford and Ilkley Community College.

Ian G. Law, at the time of the first publication, was Unit Director, Equality Services, Leeds.

Robert Leach, at the time of the first publication, was Senior Lecturer in Government and Politics, Leeds Polytechnic.

Maurice Mullard, at the time of the first publication, was Senior Lecturer in Economics and Politics, Bradford and Ilkley Community College.