Analyzes the changing role of local authorities and their problems in winning the confidence of electors. The authors argue that a return to the idea of the local authority as a conduit for change is an essential step in winning back public and political support for the concept of local government.

This booklet analyzes the changing role of local authorities and their problems in winning the confidence of electors. The authors argue that a return to the idea of the local authority as a conduit for change is an essential first step in winning back public and political support for the concept of local government. Similarly, they point to the continental practice of national politicians maintaining their local office as an example of how best to end the apparent divide between central and local government. Arguing that diversity of outlook and flexibility of imagination are the keys to success, the authors point to the success of those authorities that marshal all their local strengths, whether public or private, rich or poor.

New purposes
the wicked issues
fulfilling its purpose
new modes of action
individual rights within the community
renewing bureaucracy
new role for councillors
local government finance revisited
re-inventing central government.