Local government has undergone very rapid change in recent years. This introductory guide, now in its second edition, includes the recommendations of the Local Government Commission on the structure of non-metropolitan councils, the repeal of the poll tax, and other changes. The author explains the structure and processes of local government in Britain. He also develops and interprets its role within the British system of governance, and explains how the system evolved. Key topics such as statutory powers, the crucial relationship with central government, particularly in financial matters, town hall bureaucracies and local political parties all receive prominent coverage. The author also presents the philisophical case for democratic local government, and argues in favour of many of the executive powers it has lost since 1979.