ABSTRACT

Settsu City responded with the use of litigation to assert its rights vis-a-vis the central government. A large part of Settsu’s industrialisation in the 1960s took place with a rapid increase in the number of small factories producing iron and steel, fabricated metal products, lumber and wood products, textiles, and apparel. Solving problems associated with the rapid urbanisation of Settsu City went beyond the ability of independent assembly members. The financial dependence of Settsu City on the central government rapidly increased, while independent sources of revenue failed to grow to meet a change in policy priorities. Even in the face of a worsening financial situation, Settsu City’s administration still had to meet the increasing demand for more public services during the period of 1966–1973. Budgetary decisions which would involve a significant commitment of the city’s resources were usually made with the preliminary consent of relevant assembly committees.