ABSTRACT
We have already noted that the relationship between local and central government needs to be considered within the context of our ‘unitary’ constitution. This feature can be illustrated by reference to the structure, functions and finance of local government. The Local Government Act 1972 saw the restructuring of local government in the non-metropolitan areas of England and Wales, into a tiering of County Councils, under which there were District Councils and then Parish (England) or Community (Wales) Councils. The Local Government Act 1985 can be used to illustrate the abolition of a tier of local government in metropolitan areas in England at the behest of central government. You might also note in this context the friction which existed between Conservative central government and many of these Labour dominated Councils, in particular the GLC and Merseyside. The services provided by local administration is also determined by central government. Local government services encompass the arts, education and libraries, consumer protection, environmental health, fire and civil defence, highway, housing, planning, police, refuse collection, social services and transport. The nature of these services are determined by statute, often with a capacity for central government to inspect and enforce a minimum standard of service provision. Since 1979 there have been a number of important reforms to the operation of local government services by central government. For example, in the education sector the Education Reform Act 1988 granted LEA educational institutions ‘corporate status’ and central government has promoted the ‘contracting-out’ of schools from LEA control.
