Independence and dependence in central-local relations: multilevel governance in England since the 1970s

Eckersley, P ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9048-8529 and Dom, BK ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0889-2571, 2026. Independence and dependence in central-local relations: multilevel governance in England since the 1970s. Public Money and Management. ISSN 0954-0962 (Forthcoming)

Text 2596604_Eckersley.pdf - Post-print Restricted to Repository staff only Download (375kB)

Abstract

We draw on secondary analyses of central-local relations in England over recent decades to suggest that conflicting perspectives on what local government should be for – its role in the UK state - have resulted in an unstable and incoherent governance landscape, hampered strategic thinking, and made it more difficult for public bodies to address pressing challenges. Specifically, ministerial efforts to use local authorities primarily as a mechanism for achieving national policy priorities have created a context of local dependence and central control, which militates against local desires for greater independence and autonomy to shape places. These opposing views lead towards mutual distrust and hinder attempts at greater vertical interdependence, despite broader recognition that more joined-up approaches can increase the capacity of the state to achieve its objectives. We suggest that recent reforms outlined in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will leave these tensions unresolved.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Public Money and Management
Creators:	Eckersley, P. and Dom, B.K.
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Date:	11 March 2026
ISSN:	0954-0962
Identifiers:	Number Type 2596604 Other
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	24 Mar 2026 13:29
Last Modified:	24 Mar 2026 13:29
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/55461

Actions (login required)

Edit View

Statistics

Views

Downloads