[1] New localism arose from the experience of Labour's first term of office (1997–2001), during which the government's policy approach was characterised as being highly centralised and only partly effective.
Labour also introduced new and more complex forms of performance management in an attempt to drive up the standard of local public services through inspection and target setting.
Indeed, they could sometimes have perverse consequences as public service organisations changed their priorities to meet centrally set targets.
First, it accepts the role of central government in driving change at the local level, something that the localists of the 1980s strongly resisted.
The foundation trusts must create an elected board including representatives from the local community to oversee their work.
Further freedoms were promised to those councils that scored the top 'excellent' grade in the key Comprehensive Performance Assessment inspection process.