Local Government Law
The remit of regional authorities
The term local government refers to the collective of administrative authorities governing an area. Within the UK local councils can be town councils or county councils.
UK local government is only authorised to act within the remit and delegated powers set through legislation or regulations of the UK law, set by the government. Whilst enforcing UK law, local government is responsible for the facilitation of local services in addition to making important decisions regarding town or county planning and development.
Local Government Bodies
Local government bodies were produced in response to the varying requirements involved in policy development. Instigating regional dimensions to government planning, this sectioned approach ensures the correct decisions are made for the right areas.
Promoting regional aspects within policies and government programs, the following areas are classed as separately-governed regions:
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North east
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North west
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Yorkshire and Humber
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East midlands
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West midlands
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Wales
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East of England
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London
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South east
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South west
Local Government Financing
Local Government Financing (also known as LGA) is set out by local government and the Department for Communities, and is held accountable for maintaining and developing the structure for local government finance, meeting HM Treasury macroeconomic and fiscal policy requirements.
LGA should flexibly support local engagement and the delivery of shared government objectives, additionally to advising ministers on all areas of local government finance policy and legislation.
Election Law
Election law is set out to ensure that fair elections take place nationally, regionally and locally. Legislation dictates that everybody over 16 years has the human right to vote, and election law maintains a framework to which governs the election process, addressing specific areas to provide a fair democratic vote.
UK electoral laws new legislation is made up of the following acts:
- Representation of the People Act 2000
- Representation of the People (England and Wales)(Amendment) Regulations 2002
- Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
- Local Government Act 2000
See below for examples of areas addressed in election law:
- voting requirements
- referendum voting
- Candidate office selection
- electoral financial measures
- false adverting regulations regarding party pledges
- casting, counting and recounting election votes
- contesting election outcomes
- electoral fraud
Other local government issues
Other government issues are regionally managed by local government, in response to law set out by the national government. The main areas of law specific to regions are:
- housing law
- council tax
- licensing
- highway law
- antisocial behaviour
- markets & fairs
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