Neighbourhoods in the UK are set to play an increasingly important role as one element of an emergent multi-level system of governance. The focus on neighbourhoods is important because it is at this level that key concerns about the role of the state and the health of democracy are most intimately played out. The Social Exclusion Unit of the UK Government has put forward proposals outlining the potential role and contribution of neighbourhoods to the practice of governance. This article critically appraises the proposals in the context of the wider modernisation agenda and with reference to the USA. It argues that notwithstanding the potential contribution of neighbourhoods, the managerialist emphasis of the SEU proposals risks marginalising the operation of democracy. It suggests that this presents a particular challenge for local government. In response to this challenge the article proposes the adoption of a community governance framework to facilitate both the managerial and democratic aims of the modernisation agenda. It outlines a proposed framework and highlights its strengths and limitations. It concludes that community governance can make an important contribution to a multi-level system of governance.
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