The changing management of local government under new labour in england: Best value policy

Abstract

This article examines the changing nature of local Labour politics and the changing management of local government under New Labour. It aims to analyse the effect of New Labour policies on local authorities by considering the successive Conservative Governments policies on local government. In particular, it focuses on Best Value policy, which has been the most important part of the Labour Party's modernisation agenda. The article is divided into three main parts. The first part examines post 1970s local government development in England. The second part evaluates the transformation of the Labour Party, and its new pathway called the 'Third Way', and reviews the changing approach to the management of local government under New Labour. The third part analyses the development of the Best Value policy, including its origin and different approaches to Best Value across the world.