The Concept of a Central – Local Government Partnership: Issues obscured by ideas

Abstract

Controversy currently surrounds the relationship between central and local government as policies designed to control and curb public expenditure are viewed by local authorities as yet another attempt to erode their capacity for autonomous action. In recent years the whole issue of central–local relations has been typified by a mood of despondency and frustration as efforts to improve the situation have failed, unable to move beyond the most basic of accusations and recriminations. Perhaps research currently being undertaken will enable the various contestants in this debate to substantiate their often wild assertions but there is a danger that the differences between the two sides have become so great that restoring trust and respect will require a great deal of time. Discussion between central and local government cannot be aided, we suspect, by the fact that there appears so little agreement about the nature and purpose of local government. This surely has important implications for the way in which central government formulates policies regarding local government since the role of ideas, values and attitudes in public policy-making is crucial. The aim of this article, therefore, is to explore the historical origins and development of some ideas about central–local government relations.