Review – Reclaiming Local Democracy: A progressive future for local government

This is a book that needed to be written. First published in 2014, Ines Newman takes a timely, refreshing, and broad look at local government.  Although it relates mainly to the UK, colleagues throughout the Commonwealth will find this book both interesting and relevant.  Her thoughtful approach has, I think, optimism at its heart.  The work is an effective counterpoint to the prevailing neoliberal orthodoxy that “austerity”, with its consequential public sector cuts, is unavoidable. As Newman makes clear, “austerity” is a political choice.