Modernisation, democratisation and community governance

This article examines the New Labour agenda for the governance of localities, focusing on three central themes: community leadership, improving the management of public sen,ices and building social capital. Potential areas of policy tension and conflict are identified between these themes. The different forms of Community Governance are outlined and their coverage of the three themes described. This helps to elaborate and explain the tensions that exist within the New Labour agenda. The article then specifies the key challenges facing elected local government if modernisation and democratisation is to be delivered through a framework of Community Governance.