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…

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Areas 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…

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Governance 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…

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Policies: 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…

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Decentralisation 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…

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Local 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…

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Local 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…

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Introduction 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…

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The 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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