Governing Human Public Services

In today’s climate of increasing policy complexity, this timely book examines how transformations of the state are reshaping the governance of welfare, healthcare, education and cultural services across Europe. István Hoffman’s original task-based comparative framework explores how human public services influence the evolution of local government systems and intergovernmental relations.Drawing on comparative evidence, Governing Human Public Services demonstrates that the dichotomy between centralisation and decentralisation is no longer adequate for understanding contemporary governance. Hoffman highlights emerging patterns of divergence through developments in European public administration, influenced by artificial intelligence and demographic change. Identifying new forms of regulatory, financial and platform-based centralisation, he provides insights that inform legislation and administrative practice in order to develop more effective local governance systems.This book will be invaluable for scholars and students in public administration, public policy, political sociology, public law and administrative law. The book also presents highly relevant reflections for public, social and educational policymakers, as well as policy analysts, think-tank specialists and officials working in ministries, local authorities, regional governments and public agencies.