Modernising Local Government

Reform of local government has been a central part of the Blair governments’‘modernisation’ agenda. This article examines four specific aspects of the modernisation of local government: the implications of constitutional change for councillor roles; the direct election of mayors; new arrangements for the scrutiny of executive action; and the dilemmas and challenges facing local government officers. It argues that the Blair reforms have brought about significant changes to the organisation and operation of local authorities, but whether the reforms have achieved the government's objectives remains open to question.