A key problem in public sector management and governance is the relationship between the centre and local delivery of services (Clarke and Newman, 1997). In particular, this relates to the need for adequate reporting techniques and measures which enable some accountability in the performance of agencies and their use of public monies. A range of methodologies for evaluation of policy implementation and outcomes has been developed to attempt to ensure that service delivery is clearly identified with the aims and objectives of government. However, writers (Pollitt, 1990) on the development of managerialist approaches to public sector activity have identified the problems that can result. Importantly, they include the way in which local government and other service providers are encouraged to develop services which respond to local need; while being controlled by a central government agenda which sets the context within which such local decision making has to take place (Newman, 2005). This problematic relationship is reflected in the papers which form this special edition.
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机译：公共部门管理和治理中的一个关键问题是中心与地方服务提供之间的关系（Clarke and Newman，1997）。特别是，这涉及需要适当的报告技术和措施，以便能够对机构的业绩及其使用公共资金承担一定的责任。已经开发出了一系列评估政策实施和结果的方法，以试图确保将服务提供与政府的目的和目标明确地结合在一起。但是，关于管理者对公共部门活动进行管理的方法的作者（Pollitt，1990）已经确定了可能导致的问题。重要的是，它们包括鼓励地方政府和其他服务提供商开发满足当地需求的服务的方式；同时由中央政府议程控制，该议程确定了地方决策的背景（Newman，2005年）。这种有问题的关系反映在本特别版的论文中。
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