New Labour and Local Democracy since 1997: Did Things Really Get Better?

Abstract

The last 13 years of Labour government witnessed a welter of initiatives designed to reconfigure local democracy. There is no doubt that central local relations were much more positive in tone compared with the period of Thatcherism when conflict and confrontation were the order of the day. But what is the legacy? Running through the government's policy was a strong emphasis on local citizen engagement and citizen empowerment. This is to be welcomed. Yet such initiatives only take on real meaning in the context of a vibrant and autonomous elected local government. On this matter the Labour government fell well short. This was a missed opportunity.