Local government in England: Fault lines in ethical governance?

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter looks at the development of the concepts of ethical governance within the English local government structure. It examines this development by reference both to the current crisis in funding and service provision, and also to the development of standards for good governance and integrity.

Design

The chapter draws upon a national survey that was conducted by the authors in 2012.

Findings

The chapter suggests that while there may have been a wish to create more opportunities for devolved decision-making in English local government through changes in legislation, those policy-makers surveyed thought that the structures and processes of decision-making might be weakened.

Implications

The chapter indicates not just the need for further studies but also a more holistic exploration of the relationships between the ideas of ‘good governance’ and whose different interests are met through such changes.

Citation

Macaulay, M., Hickey, G. and Begum, N. (2013), "Local government in England: Fault lines in ethical governance?", Looking for Consensus?: Civil Society, Social Movements and Crises for Public Management (Critical Perspectives on International Public Sector Management, Vol. 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 25-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2045-7944(2013)0000002003