🇬🇧UK Constitution and Government Unit 7 – Local Government and Governance

What's Local Government?

• Refers to the tier of government closest to the people, responsible for delivering a range of public services and representing local communities
• Operates within a defined geographical area, such as a county, district, or borough, and is accountable to the residents of that area
• Governed by elected representatives, typically known as councilors, who make decisions on behalf of their constituents
• Works in partnership with other public, private, and voluntary sector organizations to improve the quality of life for local residents
• Plays a crucial role in implementing national policies and legislation at the local level, while also having the flexibility to respond to local needs and priorities
  • For example, local authorities are responsible for implementing national planning policies, but can also develop their own local plans to guide development in their area
• Operates within a legal framework set by central government, which defines its powers, duties, and funding arrangements
• Varies in size and structure across the UK, with different arrangements in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Historical Development

• Local government in the UK has its origins in the medieval period, with the establishment of parishes and boroughs to provide local services and representation
• The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries led to rapid urbanization and the need for more organized local government to address issues such as public health, housing, and infrastructure
• The Municipal Corporations Act 1835 reformed local government in England and Wales, establishing elected town councils with powers to provide local services
• The Local Government Act 1888 created county councils and county borough councils, further extending the powers and responsibilities of local government
  • This act also separated local government from the judiciary and established a system of elected councilors
• The Local Government Act 1894 created urban and rural district councils, completing the basic structure of local government that would remain in place for much of the 20th century
• The Local Government Act 1972 significantly reformed local government in England and Wales, reducing the number of local authorities and creating a two-tier system of county and district councils
  • This act also established the current system of metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties and districts
• Devolution in the late 1990s led to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and Northern Ireland Assembly, which have responsibility for local government in their respective nations

Structure and Tiers

• Local government in the UK is organized into different tiers, with each tier responsible for delivering specific services
• In England, there is a mix of single-tier and two-tier local authorities, depending on the area
  • Single-tier authorities, such as unitary authorities and metropolitan boroughs, are responsible for all local government services in their area
  • Two-tier authorities consist of county councils and district councils, with each tier responsible for different services
    • County councils are responsible for strategic services such as education, social services, and highways
    • District councils are responsible for more local services such as housing, planning, and waste collection
• In Scotland, there is a single tier of 32 unitary authorities responsible for all local government services
• In Wales, there is a single tier of 22 unitary authorities, following the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994
• In Northern Ireland, there are 11 district councils responsible for a range of local services, with some functions retained by the Northern Ireland Executive

Functions and Responsibilities

• Local authorities in the UK are responsible for delivering a wide range of public services, which can vary depending on the type of authority and location
• Key functions include:
  • Education: Maintaining and supporting schools, providing adult education and youth services
  • Social services: Providing care and support for vulnerable children and adults, including the elderly and those with disabilities
  • Housing: Managing social housing, providing homelessness support, and ensuring private housing meets safety standards
  • Planning and development: Determining planning applications, developing local plans, and regenerating local areas
  • Waste management: Collecting and disposing of household waste, operating recycling schemes, and maintaining cleanliness of public spaces
  • Highways and transport: Maintaining local roads, managing parking, and supporting public transport
  • Leisure and culture: Running libraries, museums, parks, and sports facilities, and supporting local arts and cultural events
  • Environmental health: Ensuring food safety, controlling noise and air pollution, and promoting public health
• Local authorities also have a role in promoting economic development, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment to their area
• In addition to these core functions, local authorities have a range of statutory duties and powers, which are set out in legislation and can be amended by central government

Local Democracy and Elections

• Local government in the UK is based on the principle of representative democracy, with elected councilors making decisions on behalf of their communities
• Local elections are typically held every four years, with different arrangements in each nation of the UK
  • In England, elections are held for all councilors in a local authority at the same time, with the exception of some councils that elect by thirds or halves
  • In Scotland and Wales, all councilors are elected at the same time every four years
  • In Northern Ireland, elections are held every four years using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system
• Councilors are elected to represent a specific ward or division within the local authority area, and are accountable to the residents of that area
• The role of councilors is to represent the interests of their constituents, make decisions on local policies and budgets, and scrutinize the work of the local authority executive
• Most local authorities operate a cabinet system, where a small group of senior councilors (the cabinet) are responsible for making key decisions and overseeing the work of the council
  • The cabinet is typically led by a leader or directly elected mayor, who is responsible for setting the overall direction and priorities of the council
• Local authorities are required to hold regular meetings that are open to the public, and to engage with residents through consultation and participation processes
• In addition to elected councilors, local authorities also employ professional officers, who are responsible for implementing policies and delivering services

Funding and Finances

• Local government in the UK is funded through a combination of central government grants, local taxes, and fees and charges for services
• The main source of funding for local authorities is the Revenue Support Grant (RSG), which is allocated by central government based on a formula that takes into account factors such as population size, deprivation levels, and the cost of providing services
• Local authorities also raise revenue through the Council Tax, which is a property-based tax paid by households in the local area
  • The level of Council Tax is set by the local authority each year, subject to limits imposed by central government
  • Council Tax bands are based on the value of the property, with higher-value properties paying more
• Business Rates, a tax on non-domestic properties such as shops and offices, are another important source of revenue for local authorities
  • Business Rates are collected by local authorities but are set by central government, with revenue being redistributed across the country
• Local authorities can also generate income through fees and charges for services such as parking, planning applications, and leisure facilities
• The level of funding available to local authorities has been significantly reduced in recent years as a result of austerity measures implemented by central government
  • This has led to significant budget pressures and the need for local authorities to find efficiencies and make difficult decisions about service provision
• Local authorities are required to set a balanced budget each year, meaning that their expenditure must not exceed their income
  • They are also subject to strict financial controls and audit requirements to ensure that public money is being used effectively and efficiently

Local-Central Government Relations

• The relationship between local government and central government in the UK is complex and has evolved over time
• Historically, local government has been seen as a creature of statute, with its powers and responsibilities determined by central government legislation
• However, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of local autonomy and the need for local government to have greater flexibility to respond to local needs and priorities
• The principle of subsidiarity, which holds that decisions should be made at the lowest possible level, has become increasingly influential in shaping local-central government relations
• The Localism Act 2011 introduced a range of measures designed to strengthen local democracy and give local authorities greater freedom to act in the interests of their communities
  • This included the introduction of a general power of competence, which gives local authorities the legal capacity to do anything that an individual can do, unless specifically prohibited by law
• However, the extent of local autonomy is still limited by the fact that local government is heavily dependent on central government for funding and is subject to a range of statutory duties and requirements
• The balance of power between local and central government can also vary depending on the political composition of the two tiers and the personalities and relationships involved
• In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards devolution, with the transfer of powers and responsibilities from central government to local and regional authorities
  • This has included the establishment of combined authorities and directly elected mayors in some areas of England, as well as the devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and Northern Ireland Assembly
• Despite these developments, the UK remains a relatively centralized country compared to many other European nations, with local government having limited fiscal autonomy and being subject to significant central government control and oversight

Current Challenges and Reforms

• Local government in the UK faces a range of challenges and pressures, many of which have been exacerbated by the impact of austerity and the COVID-19 pandemic
• One of the most significant challenges is the funding crisis facing many local authorities, with rising demand for services coinciding with significant reductions in central government funding
  • This has led to budget cuts, service reductions, and increased reliance on fees and charges, as well as a growing funding gap for adult social care
• Another challenge is the need to adapt to demographic changes, such as an aging population and increasing diversity, which can put pressure on local services and require new approaches to service delivery
• Local authorities are also grappling with the impact of climate change and the need to transition to a low-carbon economy, which requires significant investment in infrastructure and changes to local policies and practices
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of local government in responding to emergencies and supporting vulnerable communities, but has also exposed weaknesses in the resilience and capacity of some local authorities
• In response to these challenges, there have been calls for further reforms to local government, including:
  • Greater fiscal devolution, with local authorities given more control over local taxes and spending decisions
  • Increased investment in local public services, particularly in areas such as social care, housing, and infrastructure
  • Strengthening local democracy and accountability, with more powers devolved to local communities and greater transparency in decision-making processes
  • Encouraging greater collaboration and partnership working between local authorities and other public, private, and voluntary sector organizations
• The government has announced plans for further devolution in England, with the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper in 2022, which sets out proposals for new county deals and expanded mayoral combined authorities
• However, there are also concerns about the impact of further centralization and the need to ensure that any reforms are based on a clear vision for the future of local government and a genuine commitment to local democracy and autonomy