Metropolitan government in decline - Lessons from Scotland

Ostensibly, the reorganization of Scottish local government in 1996 was int ended to create a more local, more efficient, and more accountable system. However, through grant abatement, the Conservative government simultaneousl y intensified its fiscal squeeze on local authorities, seeking expenditure reductions in real terms. Contrary to assurances from party leaders, both d evelopments led to disruption for local authorities,felt particularly in Sc otland's four major cities. Overall, these and other changes have culminate d in a period of downsizing for Scottish local government. Whereas a new La bor government is committed to wider constitutional changes, it is persisti ng with much of its predecessor's policy agenda, albeit in muted form. Ther efore, in the intermediate term, Scottish local government faces a continui ng period of uncertainty and retrenchment. This article reviews the structu re of local government in Scotland that was abolished in 1996 and the case for its replacement. Then, using evidence from Scotland's four principal ci ties, the article examines and evaluates the broad thrust in recent central government policy-the downsizing of local government-using five criteria: scope, scale, staffing, spending, and comprehensibility.