Introduction

Forms of local government – which reflect the needs and wishes of people living in local communities – have existed as long as communities have existed and pre-date central government by centuries. Local government represents both a form of decentralisation of power from central government and a basis for local democracy. The country is divided into local authorities – either county or district – each having law making and administrative powers as delegated by Parliament. Local authorities nowadays are entirely creatures of statute: accordingly, the only powers which they have are those conferred by the sovereign United Kingdom Parliament. Increasingly, however, the law of the European Union and Community also requires action at local authority level.