Local Government Law General Principles

This is a general reference text on all the key areas of law applicable to local authorities. This edition incorporates the Local Government Act 2003 which has made fundamental changes to the duties and powers of local authorities.

Local Government Law provides a unique resource with concise, easy-to-understand explanations of important legal issues faced by local public officials, community boards, and city councils. From the moment officials take office, they face decisions related to basic principles found in state and federal law. The same is true for those in the private sector aiming to work successfully with local governments. This practical guidebook will empower public and private representatives with a functional grasp of legal principles, with chapters explaining what a local government is, the requirement to follow due process, local land use controls, the basics of the Freedom of Information Act, and many other important subjects that regularly arise. As a practical guidebook on local government law, this book provides a basic and empowering understanding for officials and private actors in the local government arena.

This textbook has been designed to provide students of administrative and local government law with an accessible edition of those chapters of Cross on Local Government Law which are necessary for their studies. It deals with the principles of the subject rather than specific areas of the responsibility of government officers. Topics discussed include the legal framework, acquisition of powers, areas and status, administrative machinery, acquisition of land, by-laws, finance, rates, rating and community charges, grants, contracts, tort and criminal liability, general control, judicial control, local elections and the state of local government in London.