1. "The Big Society" of the United Kingdom
- Author:
- Arman Gasparyan
- Publication Date:
- 03-2014
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Studies of Changing Societies Journal (SCS)
- Institution:
- Studies of Changing Societies Journal (SCS)
- Abstract:
- This article discusses the 'Big Society' of the U.K. and particularly the Localism Bill, a distinct component of this agenda aimed at decentralizing government, transferring power to local authorities and communities. This research examines the Localism Bill effectiveness and ways in which it is different from other decentralization efforts, while also exploring the possibility of adopting select provisions of the Localism Bill in Yerevan. Our main findings show that the respondents who are well informed about the U.K. government’s domestic policies recognize the freedoms and flexibilities that are transferred to local governments. The level of satisfaction with the Council has increased considerably among the citizens of Sutton. Our analysis also demonstrates that respondents to the second survey were willing to champion and/or support local government reforms in Yerevan. Nonetheless, the majority of them did not believe such reforms were feasible at this time.
- Topic:
- Governance, Decentralization, and Power
- Political Geography:
- United Kingdom, Europe, and Armenia