This book traces the main dimensions of the relationship between central and local government, concentrating in particular upon the role played by law in shaping that relationship. It is a neglected and important subject which has risen to prominence in the years of Conservative government since 1979. Ultimately the book seeks to demonstrate that the issues raised by an examination of central-local relations transcend the institution of local government and are
directly linked to our system of parliamentary democracy, and to our tradition of public law.