The policy and politics of Best Value: currents, crosscurrents and undercurrents in the new regime

This article offers an analysis of the policy and politics of Best Value. W e first examine some of the inherent tensions which exist within the New La bour regime for local public services, the reasons for these and the ways i n which they reflect paradoxes within the wider 'modernisation agenda' bein g pursued by New Labour. We then analyse approaches to implementing the Bes t Value framework at local level, highlighting four key emphases that we be lieve reflect quite different interpretations of the role of local governme nt and are clearly underpinned by competing sets of values and notions of w ho should determine what constitutes value. We suggest that the emergent di versity of approaches to service design and delivery can be understood in t he context of a transition from 'modernism' towards more 'postmodern' appro aches and organisational forms. This in turn suggests the need for framewor ks of analysis that are able to accommodate, legitimise and reflect a more differentiated pattern of local governance.