1. Local Government

2. Structure: lowest tier of administration divided into:
counties (often unitary authorities, such as Cornwall),
districts
metropolitan borough councils (Solihull)
and, uniquely, the Greater London Authority.
Each council is divided into wards (these are like small constituencies with an average population of around 20,000 voters)

3. Structure cont’d
each ward is represented by a councillor at local council meetings.
The councillors belong to political parties, just as MPs do, and councils are controlled by one or more party, just as Westminster is.
Solihull is currently controlled by the Conservatives; Birmingham is controlled by Labour.

4. Functions:
Councils make decisions about how to run local services, including
refuse collection,
street cleaning,
leisure centres,
libraries,
schools,
road maintenance,
social services (including child protection).

5. Legitimacy & funding
Turnout at local elections is low (often little more than 30%).
Along with the European Parliament, local elections are seen as secondary elections (less important) in the opinion of many votes.
This is despite the fact that local authorities are responsible for delivering services that more directly impact on our lives than the Westminster Parliament.
Local authorities are funded through:
central government grants (which account for about 30% of funding),
the council tax (on domestic properties)
business rates (rents on business premises).

6. The power parliament has…
Can create or abolish new authorities (eg 1974 Local Government Act)
Sets out minimum standards for services (eg, bins must be collected at least fortnightly)
Provides funding, including providing grants and setting ‘caps’ on the council tax increases
Requires the provision of education and care services
Approves or rejects by-laws
ultra vires (legal challenges to local authorities that are considered to be acting beyond given powers – eg Norwich 1982 and Liverpool 1985)
Directives (eg minimum standards for waste management and recycling).
Various regulatory instruments (including Council Tax reduction schemes).
Political pressure (for example, Conservative governments will pressurise Conservatives councils to set lower council taxes, to cut or ‘outsource’ services and to stay within their budget)

7. The advantages of local government
Local councillors live in the local community and understand the needs of local people (this is not true of some MPs).
Local councillors are directly accountable to the local community for the provision of services.
It promotes local issues, acting as a pressure group for the local community.
Local government is the most efficient way to provide public services. Its size allows local problems to be addressed more easily and it is more flexible.
Local government seeks to fulfil social objectives, improving educational opportunities and greater equality within the local community.
It encourages wider democracy.
It provides vital local services.

8. The disadvantages of local government
Low turnout at local elections means it lacks legitimacy.
It is run by amateurs. Most councillors do not earn a salary, but can claim expenses. They have ‘day jobs’.
It has a poor image, being criticised for inefficiency, ‘cronyism’, and corruption.
The Westminster Parliament is dominant, making a mockery of local democracy.
It is not regarded as significant by many voters and is often seen as ‘remote’.
It is subject to perpetual one-party domination. Solihull is never likely to be run by Labour; Birmingham is unlikely to be run by the Conservatives.
It gives local people control of local affairs
It is part of our heritage (and it works equally well abroad)
It has a narrow outlook
It is dominated by political party self-interest

9. Reform of local government
In 1974 Local Government Act saw new structures being created.
The Local Government Act 2000: created elected mayors
A directly elected mayor is a local leader elected by the people to take control of a local authority. Other councillors assume a largely scrutinising role. Traditional lord mayors hold largely ceremonial positions. 
Enabling authorities: commissioning, rather than the direct provision, of services. Key functions have been contracted out to private agencies such as Veolia Waste Management.

10. Reform cont’d
The Localism Act 2011 saw the devolution of decision-making powers from central government control to local communities.
an increase in the number of combined authorities, formed by local authorities pooling their powers and resources.
There have been calls for further devolution to key cities, like Manchester and Birmingham.
In the West Midlands there are moves to establish a ‘super council’, combining Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Coventry.

11. Can you name the English counties?
in-order