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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2009.12.005 Byline: Simon Pemberton (a), Mark Goodwin (b) Abstract: There is a notable absence in contemporary rural studies - of both a theoretical and empirical nature - concerning the changing nature of rural local government. Despite the scale and significance of successive rounds of local government reorganisation in the UK, very little has been written on this topic from a rural perspective. Instead research on local political change has tended to concentrate on local governance and local partnerships - on the extra-governmental aspects of the governance system - rather than on local government itself. In contrast, this paper draws upon strategic-relational state theory to explore the changing structures and institutions of rural local government, and analyse how these can be related to the changing state strategies of those groups which are politically powerful in rural areas. In this respect, the paper draws on current and previous rounds of local government reorganisation to illustrate how new objects of governance, new state strategies and new hegemonic projects are emerging as a consequence of such restructuring processes. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Civic Design, The Gordon Stephenson Building, 74 Bedford Street South, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZQ, UK (b) School of Geography, Archaeology and Earth Resources, Amory Building, Rennes Drive, University of Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK

A study was conducted to examine the degree to which the movement into Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder areas in England is beneficial or problematic given the increased demands on local services. Findings indicate that migrants have a positive effect because they increase demand for private rented and owner-occupied housing.

In the UK, there has been a re-awakening of interest in the 'co-production' approach to involve service users in modernised public services. Within this context, Sure Start Children's Centres are being created to address child poverty and social exclusion, with an emphasis on participatory approaches. This paper considers the engagement of users in service delivery, service planning and in monitoring and evaluation activities for Children's Centres in Greater Merseyside. Research findings indicate that a lack of time to implement (and develop trust within) the new arrangements, a lack of awareness by users to participate and a broader thematic (employment and education) and geographical remit for Children's Centres is impacting upon the greater involvement of users in all aspects of co-production. Without such participation it is concluded that there is a real risk that the current needs of those most disadvantaged will not be adequately addressed.

The purpose of this short paper is to explain how the international framework of human rights can be better used to help reduce child poverty and improve child survival rates. [...]