ABSTRACT
Decentralization initiatives by some UK local authorities in the 1980s can be viewed as innovatory and radical. This chapter attempts to revisit the history and experience of that period and to explore the reasons why decentralisation failed. The 'legacy' of 1980s decentralisation innovation was profound managerial and organizational change which has 'depoliticized' the language of debate at the local level. Assessments of the decentralization experiments can show how the focus slips from exploring the underlying ideology of change to one which examines the managerialist agenda. The chapter also looks to the important changes New Labour have introduced through devolution to Scotland and Wales; the creation of Regional Development Agencies (RDA) in England; and the election of a 'Mayor' for London. These changes may be positive steps towards a more decentralised system of decision making. The cumulative impact of the Conservative changes had reduced the scope and power of local government in a variety of ways.
