Quangos, Accountability And Reform

This collection challenges the debate which portrays quangos, now a permanent layer of governance in Britain, as inherently undemocratic. Through chapters by practitioners, politicians and academics, the book acknowledges both the pitfalls and potential offered by these bodies, thus illuminating a perspective on the debate which highlights their democratic possibilities. Examining the British reform debate in an international context, theoretical analysis is blended with illuminating case studies from Quango Chief Executives and concrete proposals for reform.

This collection challenges the debate which portrays quangos, now a permanent layer of governance in Britain, as inherently undemocratic.

Booknews

Sets aside the debate on whether undemocratic quasi-autonomous non- governmental organizations should be or not be, and looks at them instead as a permanent and unavoidable layer of government in Britain. Clarifies the definition of quangos, and explains why functions are transferred to them and their impact on local government. Then presents an international perspective, with examples from such countries as New Zealand, Denmark, Holland, and Germany. Finally, explores their role and power and relationship to the larger constitutional infrastructure, and suggests a reform agenda to reveal their democratic potential. Most of the 17 contributions do not include bibliographies. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Matthew V. Flinders is Research Officer at the Political Economy Research Centre and Martin J. Smith is Senior Lecturer in Politics, both at the University of Sheffield.