ABSTRACT
Building operations are usually divided into major capital works, minor capital works, and maintenance and repair. The capital value of buildings owned by local authorities runs into thousands of millions of pounds. New buildings create interest and sometimes excitement. They are built to meet pressing and immediate needs; to house families from the slums, to educate children who would otherwise run wild, to bring the fire or ambulance service within reach of flames or sickness, or to provide councillors and officers with fit surroundings for carrying out their duties. The major policy decisions arise only occasionally, as the responsibilities of authorities increase, larger building programmes necessitate larger maintenance organizations, or changes in the political control of a council bring direct labour into greater or lesser prominence. The management functions arise when an authority uses direct labour for maintenance on any scale.
