ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the development of this policy agenda – an often opaque process – and links it to the broader issues of the constitutional status, financing, territorial structures, and the political organisation of local government. It considers first the different stages of its development, from a metropolitan-region basis and then widening to later embrace non-metropolitan areas and to opportunities for a reorganisation involving a move to unitary authorities in two-tier areas. The motivation for the initiative and its longer-term objectives, so far as they can be identified, are examined, followed by consideration of the extent to which what is happening can be seen as genuine devolution. The response of the world of local government, both collectively through the Local Government Association (LGA) and by individual local authorities, is examined. The most convincing explanation for the government's love affair with devolution is one that combines elements of incrementalism, and opportunism, underpinned by long-held civil service goals.