Regionalism and Local Government Flashcards
(24 cards)
Key components of the UK’s sub-national state?
Local Councils
Combined Authorities
Devolved Governments (Scotland, Wales, NI, London)
Regional bodies
Quangos
Local Spending Bodies
What is a major weakness of local government in the UK?
Provides democratic diversity but lacks constitutional protection
What characterises central-local relations historically?
Frequent reorganisations and tense relations, especially since the 1980s
Traditional and modern functions of local government?
Traditional:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Public transport
- Education
Modern
- Social care
- Refuse collection
- Planning
- Roads
- Licensing
- Parks
What did the 1974 local government reform introduce?
A two-tier system with County (47) and District Councils (333)
What happened in 1986 to London and metropolitan governance?
The Greater London Council and Metropolitan Counties were abolished
What structural shift began in 1996?
Move towards unitary authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales
What characterises the local government structure today?
A patchwork of council type due to ongoing reforms
What types of councils exits in England?
Country Councils
Unitary Authorities
Metropolitan & London Boroughs
District Councils
What is the proposed structural change by Dec 2024?
A shift to a single-tier system across England by 2025
What are the main sources of council revenue and how has austerity affected councils since 2010?
Council tax, business rates and central government grants = sources of revenue
Austerity resulted in severe cuts, especially in deprive areas, which reduced services and increased outsourcing
What is a section 114 notice and name councils that have issued one?
A declaration of effective bankruptcy by a local authority -> issued by Northamptonshire, Croydon, Birmingham
What did the NAO report in 2018 about council funding?
Council funding fell by 49% between 2010 and 2018, despite rising service demands
What did the Local Government Act 2000 introduce?
Cabinet-style governance -> most councils adopt the leader + cabinet model
What did the Localism Act 2011 promote?
General power of competence, local decision-making, and mayoral referendums
What are City Deals and Combined Authorities designed to support?
Local economic growth and decentralisation
How many councils currently have directly elected mayors and what was the outcome of most 2012 mayoral referendums?
14 councils and most rejected the idea of directly elected mayors (general disinterest from public)
Who leads Combined Authorities?
Metro Mayors (i.e. And Burnham, Tracy Brabin)
What was the result of the 2004 North East referendum?
It defeated the proposal for a regional assembly
What has replaced regional assemblies in England?
A shift toward city-region devolution (i.e. Greater Manchester)
How many Combined Authorities with elected mayors exist in 2025 and what are their primary focus?
12 Combined Authorities with a focus on city-regions, economic development and localised governance
What are the key challenges facing local government?
Financial constraints, political instability, and lack of constitutional protection
How is regional governance evolving in the UK?
Through Combined Authorities and ongoing devolution
What is the long-term concern about local government sustainability?
Resilience exists, but financial and institutional sustainability is increasingly in doubt
