Originally published in 1970 this book quickly became a classic textbook. This edition reissues the 7th edition of 1984. An indispensable text for students, local government employees and those members of local authorities who have an interest in the history of finance in local government the book remains highly topical today in its discussion of the relations between central and local government in the field of finance. The book covers the many changes to the position of local authorities which took place in the 1970s and early 1980s.