Devolution and Localism in England
Understanding the Shift from Regionalism to Localism
David M Smith author Enid Wistrich author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:15th Aug '14
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This insightful book explores the evolution of governance in England, focusing on devolution and localism through the perspectives of regional elites.
In Devolution and Localism in England, the authors merge historical analysis with policy studies to provide a comprehensive examination of governance transformation in England. This book draws on qualitative research, particularly focusing on insights from regional elites, to shed light on the nuances of devolution. It explores how successive governments have sought to engage citizens in sub-national democratic processes, while navigating the complexities of governance. Through in-depth interviews with key figures from three distinct English regions, the authors capture the perspectives of political, administrative, business, and voluntary sector leaders, offering an 'inside view' of policy implementation.
The narrative traces the evolution of decentralization policies, examining regional strategies leading up to the 2010 general election. It highlights the significant shift from regionalism to localism initiated by the new Coalition Government. The authors delve into critical policies introduced during this period, such as City Regions and Localism, analyzing their practical implications and the challenges faced in their execution. By providing a detailed account of these developments, Devolution and Localism in England offers readers a nuanced understanding of the changing landscape of governance.
Finally, the book contemplates the current state of local governance and speculates on future challenges. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing engagement with regional elites and the broader public to ensure effective policy-making. Ultimately, this work serves as both a historical account and a forward-looking analysis of England's governance evolution.
’This book succeeds admirably in its task of making sense of the confused and sometimes confusing debate about local government in this country. It shows how careful analysis and extensive fieldwork can be combined to produce an outcome that is both well-researched and intellectually illuminating.’ Brendan Donnelly, Federal Trust, UK ’Devolution to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales has created a new constitutional balance within the United Kingdom. England, with its highly centralized and at times dysfunctional system of governance, is the outstanding problem. This timely publication examines possible solutions - decentralization, regional government, city regions and localism - based on detailed surveys and empirical evidence.’ Stanley Henig, University of Central Lancashire, UK 'Tracing the development of decentralisation policies through regional policies up to and including the 2010 General Election and the radical shift away from regionalism to localism by the new Coalition Government thereafter, the authors consider some of the key policies of the incumbent Coalition Government such as City Regions and Localism. This book is a much-needed contribution to the debate about the UK’s constitutional future ... it should be required reading for all those opining on the ’English question’, to learn from the best practice of previous attempts at devolution, and avoid the pitfalls.' LSE Review of Books
ISBN: 9781472430793
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 385g
136 pages