POLI102 Lecture 6 Regions and Local Government Revised 2025 Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the primary role of local government in Britain?
Provides democratic safeguards and diversity but lacks constitutional protection.
Local government has a historic role in municipal reformism and the growth of the welfare state.
What significant change occurred in local government powers since 2011?
Introduction of a ‘general power of competence’.
This change allowed local councils more freedom in decision-making.
List the past functions of local councils.
- Further Education
- Water supplies
- Gas & electricity
- Telecommunications
- Building housing
- Public transport
These functions reflect the historical responsibilities of local councils.
List the present functions of local councils.
- Social Services
- Parks & leisure
- Refuse collection
- Land-use planning
- Road maintenance
- Licensing (pubs, taxis)
These functions represent the current responsibilities of local councils.
What was the outcome of the local government reorganisation in 1974?
Established 47 County Councils in England & Wales and 333 District Councils.
It also included the creation of 6 Metropolitan County Councils and 36 Metropolitan Districts.
What were the key changes in local government reorganisation in 1986?
Abolished 6 Metropolitan County Councils and the Greater London Council.
This was a significant shift in local governance structure.
How did local government reorganisation in 1996 affect England and Wales?
Abolished 4 counties & 58 districts in England and replaced them with 46 unitary authorities; Wales replaced 8 counties & 37 districts with 22 unitary authorities.
Scotland replaced 9 regions & 53 districts with 29 unitary authorities.
What is the current structure of local government in parts of England?
In some parts, there are two tiers: County Council and District council, while other areas have a single (unitary) tier.
Unitary Authorities, Metropolitan Boroughs, London Boroughs, County Councils, and District Councils are part of this structure.
What major reform did the Local Government Act 2000 introduce?
Required councils to replace the committee system of decision-making with either a directly elected executive Mayor and Cabinet, a Mayor and council manager, or a Cabinet and leader.
Most councils opted for the Cabinet and leader model.
What was the impact of the Coalition Agreement in 2010 on local government?
Promised radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to local government and community groups.
It also included a review of local government finance and implementation of directly elected mayors.
What was the result of the 2012 Mayoral Referendums?
Only Bristol voted in favour of a directly elected mayor; average yes vote was 41% with a turnout of 28%.
This indicated a lack of public interest in the referendums.
What does ‘localism’ refer to in the context of local government?
Shifting power from government to people, with a focus on local priorities and community involvement.
It emphasizes less reliance on central government grants.
What were the budget cuts faced by local government from 2010 to 2015?
DCLG budget cut by 51%, resulting in a 30% real terms cut in local government spending in England.
These cuts were significant compared to other government departments.
What is a Section 114 notice?
A notice issued by a council indicating it is about to spend money it doesn’t have, effectively signaling bankruptcy.
This can severely restrict a council’s ability to spend.
Which councils issued Section 114 notices since 2018?
- Northamptonshire County Council
- London Borough of Croydon
- Slough Borough Council
- Nottingham City Council
- Thurrock Council
- Woking Borough Council
- Birmingham City Council
- Nottingham City Council (again)
These notices indicate severe financial distress.
What was the rationale for devolution in the UK during the 1990s?
Demand for governance in ‘stateless nations’ of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, alongside addressing economic and democratic deficits in English regions.
This period marked significant political shifts towards regional governance.
What was a key development in English devolution from 2010 onwards?
Focus shifted to city-regions, leading to the creation of Combined Authorities and City Deals.
This marked a departure from earlier regional bodies.
What are Combined Authorities?
Collaborative local governance structures that allow several local councils to work together on regional issues.
They often include directly elected mayors.
What is the current trend regarding local government in England?
A move towards a single-tier system across the country, with interim proposals expected by March 2025.
This reflects ongoing reforms in local governance.
True or False: The Localism Act 2011 introduced the power of general competence to local councils.
True.
This act aimed to empower local councils and encourage local decision-making.
