Today, ‘local authority' is an oxymoron. With less powers and funding, councils struggle to fulfil their statutory duties, some even going bankrupt. Excessive central control contradicts local democracy, and needs to be challenged. This article discusses these problems, the potential for local solutions and the way ahead. But first, some history.

Local councils were founded by the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, replacing self-appointed mayoral fiefdoms with councillors elected every three years. Although only ratepayers could vote (under 2% of the population), it introduced local democracy. Thereafter, councils were granted various powers, all consolidated in The Public Health Act 1848.