ABSTRACT
The centralizing tendency which is undermining local government assumes several forms. One form is the straightforward transfer of functions from local authorities to Government Departments or similar organs. A second form consists of the transfer of services and undertakings to ad hoc bodies subject to varying degrees of central control. This has happened in the case of the licensing of passenger road services, gas and electricity supply, and other public utility services. The General Grant gives more apparent freedom to local authorities in the exercise of discretion regarding the scale and standard of their services than existed under the percentage grants for particular services which it replaced. The local education authority is no longer regarded as competent to judge what is a reasonable use of their discretionary powers. Parliament confers powers on local authorities and the Courts are available to see that they are not exceeded or abused.
