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1. What is the ‘general power of competence’ and what does it enable local authorities to do?
This is set out in section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and permits a council ‘to do anything that individuals generally may do’. This is intended as a discretionary power for councils; a broad power that can be used in a range of instances to legitimise local governmental activity.
2. Explain the differences between unitary authorities, district councils, county councils, and parish councils.
County councils and district councils co-exist across much of England in what is called a two-tier arrangement. County councils exist as the upper tier, overseeing a broad geographical area – typically a county – and providing certain services and governance to all within that area. Some other services and areas of governance, however, are exercised by district councils. These function at the lower level and operate in a much smaller locality, meaning that there could be a number of district councils within a county council area.
By contrast, unitary authorities function as one single tier of local government. As such, they alone fulfil the responsibilities and provide the services that might, in two-tier areas, be divided between the county and district councils.
3. Are there any differences in the way in which local government is organised in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Yes, the structural organisation of local government differs across the UK. Whilst Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are today arranged in a uniform pattern of single-tier councils, England retains the multiplicity of structures that have existed since the 1970s. Some areas are two-tier (County and District Councils); some areas are single-tier; and there is still something of a distinction observed between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. London is also different, the Greater London Authority serving as the upper tier of government in the capital, above the 32 London Boroughs.
4. Explain the different executive arrangements in place across the different parts of the UK.
Across the UK, councils tend to adopt executive arrangements that operate either with a directly-elected mayor, that is a local leader selected directly by the people, or with an executive leader chosen by the cabinet. Cabinets feature prominently in many, though not all, councils across the country, these exercising decision-making powers within a council’s remit for the good of a local area.
5. How would you characterise the relationship between central and local government?
This question is perhaps a matter of opinion and analysis, but it is widely agreed that the relationship is an unequal one. Central government appears to exercise a great deal of authority over councils, often having the power to supervise and oversee how they operate.
6. What are the main sources of local government funding?
Council tax is a well-known source of local funding, though this generally accounts for a small portion of a council’s income. Other sources include general and specific grants from central government and fees or charges taken from the provision of local services.