"A timely, widely researched and deeply considered call to arms! With fundamental values, democracy and justice underpinning her argument, Newman offers a compelling ethical and practical lodestar to local government." Dame Jane Roberts, Chair of the Councillor Commission and Chair of NLGN "I urge you to pick up a copy of the book and read it" Stuart Wilks-Heeg in Political Quarterly "Rich with practical examples and proposals, this provocative new text asks 'what should local government do?'. Moving beyond technical fixes, Newman argues that local government has an obligation to promote social justice. The book shows how a more proactive and inclusive local democracy can generate creative responses to meeting social need. A must-read for proactitioners and academics alike." Vivien Lowndes, Professor of Public Policy, University of Nottingham "A timely and fascinating book ... should be read by all those who share a commitment to effective democratic local government" John Tizard, Huffington Post blog "I very much enjoyed reading this book. It gives councillors a rare opportunity to raise our heads and look beyond the foothills." Cllr Roger Lawrence, Leader of Wolverhampton City Council "It is refreshing to find a book that tackles, in both theory and practice, the role of councillors and the principles on which policy-making should be based." Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council