Public Choice Theory and Local Government

George Boyne has published over 50 articles in academic journals mainly in the areas of local policy variation and local government structure, finance and performance. His other work includes "Constraints" and "Choices and Public Policies".

Three forms of competition in local government are identified: competition between local authorities, competition between councils and private contractors, and competition between parties for political power.This book evaluates the validity of a key proposition of public choice theory: that competition is associated with superior performance by governmental organisations. Three forms of competition in local government are identified: competition between local authorities, competition between councils and private contractors, and competition between parties for political power. The extent and consequences of competition are assessed in both the UK and USA. The analysis is used to draw conclusions on the effects of competition and the validity of public choice theory.