http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7299-5663
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ABSTRACT
This paper argues that local government associations (LGAs) form a key element in central–local relations. They contribute towards defending local discretion through their three roles: as the collective voices of local authorities; as countervailing public-interest groups; and as feedback mechanisms for central government actors. LGAs are understood as hybrid organizations and their role and influence analyzed in terms of (1) their relationship with central government; (2) their capacity to manage the dilemmas of collectively representing territorial heterogeneity; and (3) the extent of competition from other political and functional interests. These roles are studied by comparing LGAs in England, Germany and the Netherlands.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to acknowledge those from government and local government who kindly provided information and agreed to be interviewed, and also for the valuable comments of the two reviewers.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
ORCID
Dennis de Widt http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7299-5663
Martin Laffin http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4577-0829