Rebuilding trust in centralllocal relations: Policy or passion?

Vivien Lowndes*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This article argues that both central and local government are serious in their desire to rebuild trust. Tensions have arisen, however, because each 'side' is working with a different conception of trust. Central government sees trust as emerging out of a bargaining process - greater local autonomy will follow only when local authorities prove their commitment to change. Local government sees renewed trust (and enhanced local discretion) as a matter of belief, reflecting principles of local self-government. Exploring developments in centralllocal relations since 1997, the article identifies the weaknesses of both positions and considers the possibility of a negotiated, middle way to rebuilding trust. The article argues that democratic renewal, in its broadest sense, is contingent upon rebuilding trust in governance.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRenewing Local Democracy?
Subtitle of host publicationThe Modernisation Agenda in British Local Government
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages116-136
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9781315038421
ISBN (Print)9780714680958
Publication statusPublished - 4 Apr 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2000 Frank Cass & Co. Ltd.

Copyright:
Copyright 2019 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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