METHODS AND PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 317

may be much more serious* It seems, then, that the greater the
independence of the local authority, the greater the electors'
interest is likely to be. But there must be a limit to this inde-
pendence if the Sovereignty of the State is to be preserved, and
the social services lose much of their value if there are wide local
variations in efficiency. Here arises, once more, the conflict
between local pride and freedom, and centralised uniformity.
A summary of the relations of local authorities with the Central
Government will show how far this conflict is successfully
resolved in Britain.

Among the forces making for centralisation is the Central
Government's power of withholding grants when work is ill
done, so that the offending authority has to find more from the
rates. While this measure can check extravagance, it will not
punish slackness or reluctance to spend, unless the authority can
be compelled by other means to render the service, Such means
are found in the courts; for the authorities, being what the law
calls corporate bodies, can sue and be sued like individuals. The
Central Government may obtain from the High Court a writ,
requiring any neglect of legal duty to be repaired; and any
private person who has suffered loss as a result of Council
negligence, can bring a civil action. In like manner, the courts
are used to check action .which is ultra vires. The Sovereignty of
Parliament and the Rule of Law are thus manifested, since local
powers and duties originate from Acts of Parliament, and are
enforced by the courts. In health, housing, and other services
where neglect can have the gravest results, a J.P., or simply four
ratepayers in the area, can invoke the aid of the Ministry of
Health to enquire into local inefficiency, and, perhaps, take over
the duties itself. The Statutory provisions concerning meetings*
committees, and the form and audit of accounts, ensure that in
each area there shall be similar machinery whatever the extent
to which it is used. Meanwhile, the Central Government brings
a constant influence to bear through its Inspectors. Not only are
satisfactory reports from them the condition of Grants-in-Aid,