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Eleventh Edition

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Chapter 20

Local Government

Chapter Summary

This chapter, like the book as a whole, was largely written in the weeks immediately following Labour’s huge win in the 2024 General Election – yet before the new set of Ministers responsible for local government matters had a real chance to reveal even their legislative priorities. We had headlines – widening devolution, ending homelessness, lifting the ban on municipal bus ownership, etc. – but almost literally not a Ministerial word about how, nor about any plans to stop more councils going as close to bankruptcy as UK councils can.

In addition, therefore, to outlining at least broadly how UK local government is structured and operates, the chapter tries to convey a sense of that flux: what has happened in the recent past and what just might happen – good and bad – in the near future. It provides an overview of the UK’s local government development, its financial and political weaknesses, its lack of formal constitutional recognition, its competences, organisation, make-up, and elections.

Learning Objectives

  • To increase understanding of and interest in an important sphere of public life that in this country more than most is misunderstood and dismissed as boring.
  • To identify some ways in which it might be made more relevant to the public generally, but particularly to young people.
  • To consider whether what we call ‘local government’ is actually local at all.
  • To raise awareness of the growing degree of devolution in the UK, but also of the costs and consequences of the (still) extreme centralisation of UK government.
  • To consider the pros and cons of having 95% of the taxes we pay go in the first instance to national government.         

Quizzes

Test your knowledge with the Chapter 20 quizzes!

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Discussion Questions

  1. UK local councils rely heavily on central government for funding, with limited ability to raise their own revenue. Should councils be given more financial independence, or would this create new economic inequalities between different areas?
  2. Despite the expansion of elected mayors and combined authorities, England remains one of the most centralised countries in Europe. Should the UK move towards a more federal system with stronger local governments, or is centralisation necessary for effective governance?

Local Government Association (LGA) – The national membership body for local authorities, offering policy research, reports, and advocacy for councils across England and Wales. (https://www.local.gov.uk)

Centre for Cities – A leading think tank examining the role of local government in urban development, devolution, and economic growth. (https://www.centreforcities.org)

House of Commons Library – Local Government Briefings – Reports and research briefings on the powers, structure, and funding of local government in the UK. (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/topic/local-government/)

The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) – A policy think tank focused on local democracy, governance, and public service innovation. (https://lgiu.org)

Flashcards

Refresh your knowledge of key terms with this chapter’s flashcards.

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