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 applied 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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 501-514 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 1996 |