The very complex intra-state relations in England

Local and regional government in England is complicated. There is no uniform structure, with some parts of the country having one tier of local government while others have three and a regional tier. This is exacerbated by a constitutional set-up which centralises power or encourages a top-down approach to devolving power. Further, the centre controls the purse strings.

Despite this rather bleak picture, local and regional government can be an exceptionally good deliverer of services. Pressures have been brought to bear to make them more cost-effective; a knock-on of which is to see greater public interest in the proceedings of local and regional government - although not necessarily at the ballot box.

The development or restructuring of local and regional government in England is very much conducted in an ad hoc manner. The consequence of which is this complicated structure.