Public participation and citizen-centred local government: Lessons from the best value and better government for older people pilot programmes

This article examines the contribution that public participation can make t o the development of 'citizen-centred government'. It draws upon the eviden ce of two major initiatives established by central and local government to develop and test out new approaches to service delivery (the Best Value ana l the Better Government for Older People pilot programmes). Evaluation of t hese Cuo sets of pilots suggests that the notion of 'citizen-centred govern ment' and the forms of participation that are required to achieve it are Li able to a range of different interpretations. In particular there is an imp ortant distinction between approaches which seek to promote community plann ing and user-focused services, and those that envisage a much more active r ole for local people in designing and delivering local services.