Comparisons and Lessons

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Abstract
One of the purposes of this book has been to introduce new ideas into the debate about the future of British local government. Historically, Britain has tended to see itself as a model of local government and therefore to pursue its many reforms in a rather parochial way. If there has been a reference point, until recently it has often been the United States of America rather than other European countries. Given this relative insulation from continental practice, it is surprising that several earlier chapters show that many of the issues to do with the role of local government and the search for new relationships with citizens are in common, though usually less urgently than in Britain. Many of the solutions are shared, and in some respects it could be said that Britain is coming nearer to continental practice; but in general it is clear that Britain is an extreme case of commitment to principles of marketisation, and exceptional in the conflict which surrounds its reforms. The broadest conclusion of this book must be that there are alternative and viable ways of doing things. Even if they cannot or should not be simply adopted, these other trends and practices do throw a cold light on ideological certainties.

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