Form over Function

This chapter provides an overview of the system of local government and politics. It reviews the institutional and management structures, policy functions, and financial profiles of local government units. The chapter emphasizes that successive waves of reform have done little to establish a robust system of local government, and, indeed, that legislative changes have focused on institutional form over function at several junctures. The number of local authorities has been rationalized, and while the official position stresses enhanced policy and administrative roles, any rigorous analysis must conclude that local government has been hollowed out. Local elections have become more regular since a constitutional change in 2001, and while they have obvious ‘second order’ aspects, candidate numbers are robust, turnout remains reasonable relative to other contests, and there is a strong perception that councillors are embedded in their communities.