As part of the ‘devolution revolution’ the UK central government devolved a general power of competence to English local authorities under the Localism Act 2011. In theory, local communities should have a greater say in the running of services as central government transfers control but, in reality, their power is being seriously diminished.

It is through a concoction of growing financial pressures, depleting cash reserves (likely to intensify in future years), the creation of new bodies, the pressure for greater privatisation and outsourcing of public services, which question the role of ‘old fashioned’ councils that directly deliver services.