In 1974 the whole of local government in England and Wales, outside London, was reorganised. How is it viewed now, by a man who played a vital part in the events leading up to that reorganisation? Eric Robson asks Lord Redcliffe-Maud, who chaired the Royal Commission on Local Government, whether he has any regrets about the way things have turned out. With hindsight, does he still believe in big local councils? Did the public response to boundary changes surprise him, and are the new councils really that much better than the old ones?
Research ADAIRE OSBALDESTON Director PAUL LOOSLEY
Producer ALAN DOBSON. BBC Manchester