This text provides an up-to-date analysis of the changing world of local politics in Britain. Sections on local political parties, hung councils, the politics of non-elected local government, recent developments in privatization and the politics of the Poll Tax have been added to the original subjects covered in the first edition. The book also provides a systematic treatment of the Thatcher legacy in local politics, the philosophy and strategy which underpinned it and likely futures in the post-Thatcher era. "The Politics of Local Government" is aimed at undergraduate students pursuing courses in politics and local governemnt, politics, public administration, sociology, geography, planning and social administration/social policy. It should also prove of interest to individuals involved in professional courses in social work, housing, housing management and planning as well as to second year students of BTEC HND public administration courses.