# The new localism: Local government and the Constitution

- Institution: Gresham College
- Speaker: Professor Sir Vernon Bogdanor FBA CBE
- Year: 2006
- Level: For everyone
- Language: English
- Subjects: Society and politics
- Source: [Gresham College](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/new-localism-local-government-and-constitution)
- Licence: [Educational use (Gresham College's terms)](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/terms-and-conditions)
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (sources give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the source's own words)

Many argue that Britain has become too centralized, that Whitehall has usurped the town hall. Yet few of us turn out to vote in local elections, and we complain about the 'postcode lottery' when facilities in a neighbouring area are better than those in our own. Some politicians are seeking to reverse the tide of centralization. But is localism compatible with the basic principle of the welfare state, that benefits and burdens should be decided on the basis of need and not of geography?

## Lectures

1. [The new localism: Local government and the Constitution](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/gresham/new-localism-local-government-and-constitution/1efef6752fa8) (YouTube)