Chapter 20

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!

Quiz

Question 1

What percentage of all taxes collected in the UK initially goes to the national government?

0.75

0.85

0.9

0.95

1

None

Question 2

What is a major characteristic of UK local government compared to other European countries?

It has a higher number of small councils

It is among the most centralised local government systems

It allows local governments to independently set their tax rates

It has fewer responsibilities than local governments in France or Germany

It operates under a federal system

None

Question 3

Which of the following was a key consequence of the Local Government Act 1972?

The abolition of local taxation

The restructuring of local government into a two-tier system

The introduction of regional assemblies in England

The replacement of elected mayors with appointed officials

The dissolution of local government in Northern Ireland

None

Question 4

In contrast to the UK’s fewer but larger councils, which European country has the highest number of local councils?

Germany

Spain

Italy

France

Sweden

None

Question 5

What is a major challenge facing UK local government funding?

Central government caps council tax increases, limiting local revenue

Local councils can increase taxes without restriction

Local authorities are required to be financially self-sufficient

Local governments receive more funding than they require

Local government funding is exclusively raised through business rates

None

Question 6

What was the primary aim of the English Devolution Bill proposed in the 2024 King’s Speech?

To abolish local councils and replace them with regional governments

To increase national government control over local councils

To eliminate elected mayors in England

To merge Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland’s local governments into one system

To grant local leaders more powers over transport, housing and planning

None

Question 7

What is a directly elected major responsible for in a combined authority?

Running the police force and national transport

Setting tax rates without parliamentary approval

Overseeing regional economic growth and development

Appointing local MPs and councillors

Controlling the national budget

None

Question 8

The Local Government Act (1972) created a system of local government in England and Wales.

Question 9

Unlike most European countries, the UK does not have a constitution which provides local governments with constitutional protection.

Question 10

The Supplementary Vote (SV) system was replaced in England by the system, a move criticised for reducing voter choice.

Time’s up

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?

Weblinks

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.