Reclaiming Local Democracy

Ines Newman

ISBN 10: 1447308905 / ISBN 13: 9781447308904

Published by Bristol University Press, GB, 2014

About this Item

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.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781447308904

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Reclaiming Local Democracy
• Publisher: Bristol University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1447308905
• ISBN 13: 9781447308904
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

In this book Ines Newman raises new questions about the fundamental principles that should guide local government decision making in an era when austerity measures leave local governments struggling to meet the demands for services. Drawing on a lifetime of experience as a practitioner and academic within local government, she shifts the agenda toward a more ethical view of how local governments can enact policies that improve social justice and local democracy. Newman argues that local governments should provide a voice for those who lack power, and she does so through an energizing call to reengage politics with ethics and an examination of how local governments can develop active citizens, make a difference in the well-being of the disadvantaged, and, in the end, promote real democracy. 

About the Author

Ines Newman is a visiting senior research associate at De Montfort University.