B20: New Localism

New Labour has extended democratic principles further than any previous government. Under the ‘catch all’ banner of new localism, a whole raft of initiatives and bodies now decide things at the local level.  For example, The New Deal for communities schemes have been created, regional assemblies may be created later this year in three of the regions in Northern England, while foundation hospitals have now held elections for their governing boards.

Labour is pushing for further localisation of power, with proposals to make police authorities either partially or wholly elected, and to give decision-making powers to ‘neighbourhood boards’ for the management of public spaces.

In this bulletin we wish to explore some of the recent coverage of New Localism.