Originally published in 1974, this study concerns the politics of local government reform between 1942-1974 and describes the struggles between the Ministries, the Local Government Associations and political parties. The political manoeuvrings of the various groups involved are analysed and a theory proposed about the reform of political structures in general.

Jack Brand was a respected political scientist and one of the first academic chroniclers of the SNP.

Introduction. 1. The Problems of Local Government and The Needs of Planning 2. The Ministries and Local Government Reform 3. The Local Government Associations and Reform 4. The Parties and Local Government Reform 5. Local Government Reform: A Study of Structural Modernisation Appendix 1: Dramatis Personae Appendix 2: The Distribution of Functions: New and Old Versions Map: Maud Compared With the Conservative Government's Proposals.