To refer to a shift over the last two decades from local government to local governance in Britain implies a recognition of two factors. First there has been a shift in the institutional structure of governing with a range of appointed bodies or ‘quangos’ gaining greater responsibility and prominence. Second there has been a change in the character of governing, a blurring of responsibilities, with appointed bodies and partnership organizations working alongside elected local authorities. Elected politicians and full-time local government bureaucrats have found themselves joined by a range of other actors. And major roles have developed for users, for interested citizens and for the private sector in this complex interplay of local actors