Local Government in Scotland: Reform or Decline?

In the first major academic text on the Scottish local government system, Arthur Midwinter presents a comprehensive and critical account of the major changes implemented by the Conservative Government in Westminster since 1987 and their impact in Scotland. He argues that the absence of substantial support for the Conservative approach is leading to instability and outlines the case for a structure and system which can secure democratic control and functional efficiency in a context where municipal provision will remain the dominant form of service delivery.