ABSTRACT
When considering what powers local authorities in Britain might use for a variety of economic purposes it is helpful to set the possibilities within an historical context which draws attention both to the evolution of particular powers and to the prevailing view in local government of its main concerns. Since 1947 land use planning has been an important responsibility in which both national and local government share. Structure plans are, however, essentially strategic documents covering large areas. Executive action still depends on local plans which are usually prepared by the district councils. Development control is operated within the framework of the development plan and is primarily the responsibility of the district council. Housing is an aspect of the local infrastructure too which may be important in affecting economic development. Local authority capital spending has been strongly influenced by government attempts to control public expenditure and the public sector borrowing requirement.
