Local government has no constitutional right to exist. It can be reformed, removed or reshaped any time by parliament
Local government are only able to carry out functions allocated to them by central government. If they exceed these powers, they are 'ultra vires' and any spending involved can be charged to individual councillors who supported the decision
Over the years, central government has changed the structure of local government, altering the functions it provides and its boundaries
New internal structures have been imposed and new elected roles have been created
Local government in England and Wales operate via a similar system whereas Northern Ireland and Scotland have different systems of local government
Local government in most places operates at several levels known as 'tiers'.
The lowest tier has the smallest income and fewest powers whereas the top tier covered the largest area and had the most powers an largest income
What is a unitary authority?
A single council for a given area, responsible for local services
What is a two tier model?
Number of smaller district councils within an area of a county council, each providing different services
There are also parish and town councils however these have limited resources and power and they are included within the tiering system
