ABSTRACT
Local authorities have become subservient to the central government, mainly but not entirely because of their excessive dependence on central grants. It is, however, not the only aspect of local government which is in urgent need of reform. In conclusion, the author must reaffirm his belief in the virtues of a sound and healthy system of local self-government. Few people today appear to understand the essential role of local government in the welfare state. Few people today appear to understand the essential role of local government in the welfare state. Local government is the best possible instrument to distribute power widely on democratic lines. Only by a three-pronged attack on organization, finance and central-local relations can the people give local government its proper place in their polity. Today, unfortunately, there is a strong tendency in this country and elsewhere to concentrate power at the center to an excessive degree and to neglect the potentialities of local government.
