The prospects for local government independence are bleakdue to the centre’s unwillingness to give up power

In the wake of the Scottish independence referendum, devolution of power has become the political discussion de jour. Although most discussion has focussed on the relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK, or on the regions, local government is still an important component of the debate. Recently, the Labour MP Graham Allen proposed legislation that would provide legal independence to local government. Chris Game runs the rule over the legislation, and argues that the prospects for its future passage are slim.