Deepening democracy or elite governance? New political management arrangements in local government

This article discusses the introduction of new political management arrange ments in Local government. It places the Government's current proposals for change in the context of recent research and debate about the strengths an d weaknesses of local democracy, and then, draws on recent research evidenc e, which suggests that current reforms may have a contradictory impact. The Government's proposals are Likely to bring tighter and more strategic poli tical leadership, more effective partnership with other local organizations and, if certain steps are taken, better 'scrutiny' of policy and performan ce. However; there are serious concerns about democratic accountability and transparency, community involvement and the implications for many councill ors, party groups and a healthy local party politics. If is concluded that more thorough evaluation of the impact of the changes is desirable.