The fragmentation of local government in Scandinavia

Over 10 to 15 years, an organizational fragmentation of Scandinavian local government has come about by the introduction of neighbourhood councils, user-governed public service institutions, contracting out of services and experimental, particularized state grants to the localities. Consequently, users come into focus, territorial democracy is challenged, and new forms of inter-governmental relations abound. This calls for alternatives to the traditional analysis of local government with less emphasis on formal organizational analysis and more on governance and inter-organizational links. There are indications that contrary to aspirations, the influence of professionals is not reduced by the changes and consequently increased user influence is not given, but there is a need for more analysis along the lines suggested.