This introductory textbook provides an historical overview of developments in local government in postwar Britain.

• Examines role of local government both as partner and as agent of central ministries
• Based substantially on original research, yet written accessibly for beginning students and general readers
• Ken Young is the leading authority in this field, and Nirmala Rao a much- respected younger scholar

Ken Young is Vice-Principal of Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London.

Nirmala Rao is Lecturer in the Department of Social Policy and Politics at Goldsmith's College, University of London.