Two weeks ago, as part of our series on structure, The MJ looked at the lessons of local government reorganisation in the 1990s. Chris Exeter now examines the background to Lord Redcliffe-Maud's review in the 1960s which led to the huge and much-maligned shake-up of 1974 The rationale for local government, together with all public services, is the consumer.

Our mobile, consumer-driven society is increasingly based around flexible, personalised services. And the public sector is not immune. But structures for delivery must change, and reflect the needs of consumers. That, regrettably is not happening. In a few weeks, the long-awaited local government White Paper will be published by the DCLG.