Governing Structures and Structured Governing: Local Political Control of Public Services in Denmark

Abstract

Decentralization to local government increases flexibility and responsiveness, and, by implication, policy diversity. However, a local governing structure is but one of several institutions that structure government. Central policy makers are not absent simply because policy authority formally rests in local governments. Government regulation, collective agreements, and professional norms also matter. Furthermore, other institutions, such as the organization of producer and provider roles, may be more important. Diversity in local services cannot be