Established as the leading text in the field, this thoroughly revised and updated edition provides a comprehensive account of the current issues, set in a clear historical context. It assesses the legacy of eighteen years of Conservative governments and the initial policy impact of New Labour and the problems and challenges it now confronts. This book remains essential reading for all who wish to understand and contribute to determining the pace and direction of change in housing into the twenty-first century.

The comprehensively revised second edition of this successful text provides an up-to-date analysis of the changing world of local politics in Britain. Substantial new sections have been added on local political parties, hung councils, the politics of non-elected local government, recent developments in privatisation, and the politics of the poll tax. The book now 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. Reviews of the 1st edition: '...should be read by anyone seeking...