FRAGMENTATION, CONCENTRATION, AND LOCAL-GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE - TOP-TIER AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND AND WALES, 1831-1996

Authors
BOYNE G COLE M
Citation
G. Boyne et M. Cole, FRAGMENTATION, CONCENTRATION, AND LOCAL-GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE - TOP-TIER AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND AND WALES, 1831-1996, Environment and planning. C, Government & policy, 14(4), 1996, pp. 501-514
Citations number
42
Categorie Soggetti
Environmental Studies","Public Administration
Journal title
Environment and planning. C, Government & policy → ACNP
ISSN journal
0263774X
Volume
14
Issue
4
Year of publication
1996
Pages
501 - 514
Database
ISI
SICI code
0263-774X(1996)14:4<501:FCALS->2.0.ZU;2-9
Abstract
The structure of local government in England and Wales is evaluated on the basis of public-choice theories concerning structural effects on performance. The concepts of fragmentation and concentration are appli ed to changes in the pattern of top-tier units since 1831. For most of this period the structure of this set of authorities became much less fragmented and more concentrated. Public-choice theory suggests that the net effect of these changes is likely to have been a reduction in the allocative and technical efficiency of service provision.