Non-Elected Local Government

Abstract

Beyond elected local authorities there are a range of government or quasi-governmental agencies that carry responsibility for some element of local public policy and service provision. These agencies seek to develop policies which are specific to particular localities. They have a local dimension to their work which involves them in regular inter-action with local authority policy-makers. Unlike local authorities these agencies do not have an electoral base. Their governing or management committees are appointed rather than elected through a system of party competition. They also differ from multi-functional local authorities in that their concern is usually with one purpose or policy area. We consider these agencies as participants in a non-elected local government sector.