Democracy and Local Autonomy
In this page:This page considers the basic building blocks of democracy: representation and accountability. It also introduces the related idea of local autonomy.Our democratic system is primarily based on representation. In…
Continue readingAreas and Area Boundaries
In this page:What areas should our local councils or regional authorities cover? This page considers this question. It deals with the kinds of areas that local government structures can cover and…
Continue readingGovernance Structures: Who Exercises Power?
In this page:This page describes the different structures for decision-making in local government. Decision-making can involve ordinary citizens, elected politicians, and representatives of business, trade unions, and other groups. Structures within decisions…
Continue readingPolicies: Which Issues Are Decided at Which Level?
In this page:One issue the assemblies will consider is what powers should be held by different levels of government. That involves two questions. The first is: Which issues should be…
Continue readingDecentralisation to Local Neighbourhoods
In this page:In addition to proposals for new bodies operating above the level of local councils, some people argue for decentralisation of some powers to neighbourhoods below the level…
Continue readingLocal Government in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
In this page:This page sets out the current local government arrangements in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Most of the traditional county of Hampshire has a two-tier…
Continue readingLocal Government in the Sheffield City Region
In this page:This pagw sets out current local government arrangements in the area in and around Sheffield. South Yorkshire has four ‘unitary’ councils: Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham. These councils are…
Continue readingIntroduction to the briefing papers
This introduction was designed for the Assembly North participants. Congratulations on becoming a member of Assembly North! Over the next few weeks, you will get to debate some…
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A Regional Assembly
In this page:This paper sets out ideas for new regional assemblies in England. These would sit below central government and above local councils. People from large regional areas would elect…
Continue readingThe Local Government System in England Today
In this page:This page sets out the system of local government as it exists in England today. For details on arrangements in your area, see the separate pages on local…
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