Strengthening local choices

摘要

Each of us has spent nearly 50 years studying local government, working for and with local authorities, carrying out research, education and training, writing and lecturing, advising and visiting many local authorities. We have learned much about local government through our contact with local authorities, councillors and officers who we hope, learned, too. In reflecting on that experience we highlight the key principle that lies at the heart of effective local government and should underlie the working of local authorities - the principle of local choice. Many have forgotten, if they ever knew, that local authorities are not mere agents to deliver services in accordance with national policies, but are local political institutions constituted for local choice, which is the rationale for local elections.