This book explains the increasing demand for evaluation as a result of the increasing frequency
of reforms to local services influenced by the New Public Management doctrine the severe
austerity policy in many European countries and the wish to increase quality and reduce costs
of public services especially at the local (sub-national) level. Positioned at the interface
of local services and evaluation research it will enable the utilization of
evaluation-generated knowledge in evidence-based policy making by focusing on the lessons
learned from evaluation of local service delivery. It encompasses local public and social
services (including waste water public transport healthcare education and eldercare) and
examines the hypothesis that there is a North-West-South-East divide in Europe in terms of the
evaluation of local service reforms. Particular attention is devoted to the explanatory
function of evaluation. Providing fresh insight into the functioning of local government
machinery in contemporary Europe this book will appeal in particular to practitioners and
students of local government public economy public administration and policy.
