The Capacity of Local Governments in Europe

Autonomy, Responsibilities and Reforms
1. Auflage 2022
ISBN: 978-3-031-07961-0
Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buch, Englisch, 121 Seiten, Format (B × H): 153 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 298 g

Reihe: Governance and Public Management

This book compares local self-government in Europe. It examines local institutional structures, autonomy, and capacities in six selected countries - France, Italy, Sweden, Hungary, Poland, and the United Kingdom - each of which represents a typical model of European local government. Within Europe, an overall trend towards more local government capacities and autonomy can be identified, but there are also some counter tendencies to this trend and major differences regarding local politico-administrative settings, functional responsibilities, and resources. The book demonstrates that a certain degree of local financial autonomy and fiscal discretion is necessary for effective service provision. Furthermore, a robust local organization, viable territorial structures, a professional public service, strong local leadership, and well-functioning tools of democratic participation are key aspects for local governments to effectively fulfill their tasks and ensure political accountability. The book will appeal to students and scholars of Public Administration and Public Management, as well as practitioners and policy-makers at different levels of government, in public enterprises, and in NGOs.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Kuhlmann, Sabine

Heuberger, Moritz

Dumas, Benoît Paul

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Regierungspolitik
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaftssektoren & Branchen Wirtschaftssektoren & Branchen: Allgemeines

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction.-2. Comparison of the Role of Local Governments in Europe: Autonomy, Self-Government, Local Democracy.-3. Local Government Finances.-4. Reform Trends.-5. Conclusions.

Über Autor(innen)

SabineKuhlmann is Professor of Political Science, Public Administration and Organization at the University of Potsdam, Germany.  

BenoîtPaulDumas is Research Associate at the Chair for Political Science, Public Administration and Organization at the University of Potsdam, Germany. 

MoritzHeuberger is Research Associate at the Chair for Political Science, Public Administration and Organization at the University of Potsdam, Germany.