Local governments are administrative offices of an area smaller than a state or province. The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or (where appropriate) federal government.

In modern nations, local governments usually have less powers than national governments do. They usually have some power to raise taxes, though these may be limited by central legislation. In some countries local government is partly or wholly funded by subventions from central government taxation. The question of Municipal Autonomy - which powers the local government has, or should have, and why - is a key question of public administration and governance.

The institutions of local government vary greatly between countries, and even where similar arrangements exist, the terminology often varies. Common names for local government entities include state, province, region, department, county, prefecture, district, city, township, town, borough, parish, municipality, shire and village. However all these names are often used informally in countries where they do not describe a legal local government entity.

More on [ Local government ]

BBC News | Politics | UK Edition

Tax rich at higher rate, says TUC
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:22:11 -0000
People earning more than �100,000 a year should pay higher tax rates, the Trades Union Congress says.
UK eyes stronger Pakistan links
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:22:37 -0000
The UK government says it hopes to work with Pakistan's new president to combat extremism and strengthen democracy.
Greens coming of age, says Lucas
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:04:49 -0000
New Green leader Caroline Lucas says she wants to raise the party's profile in non-environmental areas.

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