Local government, New Labour and ‘Active Welfare’: A Case of ‘Self Responsibilisation’?

Abstract

The paradoxes within the ‘modernising’ project for local government have been well documented. However, these can be used to locate the local government agenda within broader changes to the welfare state. New Labour, in line with Third Way thinking, are attempting to create an ‘active welfare’ state, which stresses rights and responsibilities. Key elements here are duty to become involved and take up opportunities. As a part of the welfare system, Local authorities are responsible for implementing this agenda and for including themselves within it. The increasing move towards whole organisational audit and of ‘earned autonomy’ can be seen in this light. ‘Self inclusion’ and ‘ownership’ of the agenda are key elements within this re-structured approach. Using the Foucauldian notion of governmentality, it is argued that this represents a technology of government which is likely to have unintended consequences.