JOHN STEWART is Honorary Professor, University of Birmingham.

'...a useful and thought-provoking book about developments in local government.' - Brian Jacobs, Environment and Planning 'Written with the customary elegance, reasoned and substantiated argument that I have come to expect of the doyen of British local government studies...the book's strength is its methodical historical and contemporary analysis, providing a wide-ranging description and defence of local government.' - Paul Carmichael, Political Studies 'John Stewart's views are always a great stimulus to thought...For anyone wanting to understand what local government in Britain is really like, this is the book to read.' - Local Government Studies '[E]ssential reading for anyone working in or seeking to understand the evoluation and character of local government.' - Municipal Journal

• Introduction: Uniformity and Diversity and Continuity and ChangePART 1: THE IMPACT OF HISTORYThe Carriers of HistoryDiffering Roles and Continuing ThemesThe Inherited World of Local GovernmentPART 2: THE INSTITUTIONAL SETTINGThe Institutional FrameworkThe Conditions of Central-local RelationsPART 3: CHANGE AND THE WORKINGS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIESChallenges for ChangeA Changing PoliticsPolitical Structure Processes and CultureThe Process of Management ChangeChange in Officer StructuresThe Dynamic of Councillor-officer RelationsLocal Authority and Locality Towards Community LeadershipConclusionPresent and Future.