Since the early 1980s, local government in England has been subjected to a process of relentless centralisation, which raises concern about the democratic viability of our system of government, as well as dismay about the impact of years of austerity on social housing, public libraries, care for the elderly, and many other social services. But during this period there have been times when it has appeared this damaging process was about to be reversed.

As we argue here, drawing on the content of our recently-published book, the expectations of a new deal for local government proved illusory. But, in the aftermath of an inconclusive General Election result in June, there is a glimmer of hope that a process of recovery for local government may be about to take place.