Abusive partnerships New forms of governance, new forms of abuse?

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to critically consider the role of partnerships in regeneration. There has been a proliferation of partnerships at local, sub-regional and regional levels, that has brought new people together around a shared agenda, and has sought to challenge and change the ways in which mainstream public services are delivered. Design/methodology/approach - This article uses a qualitative approach drawing on previous research work and using narrative to construct a series of metaphors to provide greater levels of explanation and understanding of partnerships. Findings - The current approach to partnership working arises principally from analysis of the weaknesses of fragmented services, it is also attractive to those who seek to open up the cosy, inefficient and, at times, corrupt worlds of local government. This is shown through an innovative typology of partnerships. Research limitations/implications - While there are sound policy reasons for engaging in the game of partnerships, there are dangers in underestimating the capacity of public agencies to adopt and adapt the language of partnership, without genuinely engaging with the intent behind the policy. Practical implications - The implications from this article have practical relevance for those working in public policy and for those involved in partnerships. Originality/value - By drawing upon examples of the abuse of partnership arrangements, this article provides an original perspective on those phenomena that might be an indication of trouble.