The UK political system is one of the most highly centralised in
the world. Despite all the talk of localism and greater local
control, Westminster and Whitehall still have most power and
sign-off most major decisions. There is also, of course, the
issue of money...
Compare this to other countries where states and cities have a
much larger degree of control over policy and finance. Their
politics are closer to their citizens whereas in this country
people have little idea about what local authorities actually do
aside from collecting the refuse.
Of course, in some areas, particularly planning and development,
local authorities are the key decision making body but for most
other issues Westminster and Whitehall remain in control.
Even those powers that are being devolved still retain some
form of central government process through agreement, sign-off, or
need for 'their' money to be spent. Civil servants
sometimes have 'observer' status on local bodies as
