ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the local level response to A21 in the UK. The 471 local authorities in the UK differ enormously in capacity, management structure, political commitment and leadership. 1 Local diversity is one of the strengths of locally based A21s, and many of the initiatives are being developed at present under this banner. LA21 indicates a responsiveness to local needs and preferences now and in the future. However, there are more constraints on implementing LA21 than just local factors, such as political will and resources; it appears that national factors pose the biggest challenge. In order to look at the capacity of local government to undertake A21, now and in the future, it is necessary to examine the constraints and opportunities experienced by local authorities so far, as well as their achievements.
