Originally published in 1970 this book quickly became a classic textbook. This edition reissues the 7th edition of 1984. An indispensable text for students, local government employees and those members of local authorities who have an interest in the history of finance in local government the book remains highly topical today in its discussion of the relations between central and local government in the field of finance. The book covers the many changes to the position of local authorities which took place in the 1970s and early 1980s.
1.The Structure, Functions and Financial Background of Local Government 2. Local Authority Expenditure 3. Government Grants 4. Rating and Valuation 5. Other Income and Local Authority Real Estate 6. Local Authority Accountability 7. Capital Finance 8. Housing 9. Direct Labour 10. Investment in Securities; Insurance 11. Financial Management 12. Value for Money 13. Finance and the Relationship Between Central and Local Government 14. The Layfield Report and Subsequent Developments 15. A Conclusion.
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Biography
Noel Hepworth was Director of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. He was previously Director of Finance of the London Borough of Croydon and prior to that Assistant City Treasurer of Manchester. He was also an adviser to the Association of Metropolitan Authorities and the London Borough Association.
Original Review of The Finance of Local Government:
‘First, it is remarkably comprehensive…secondly, it is extremely clear. The straightforward, unpretentious prose style and the logical organisation of the material make it an easy book to read and understand. Given the complexity of the subject matter this is no small achievement.’ D.E. Regan, Urban Studies Vol 15, No. 1 (1978).
