By Tony Travers, Lorena Esposito

Nothing to lose but your chains is the third volume of a major study into the reform of local government finance in England. It sets out the authors’ proposals for a comprehensive, yet practical, reform of the local revenue finance system.

The reforms recommended aim to correct the shortcomings of the present system of local finance, whilst taking into account current political realities. The authors believe they provide a solution that is both radical and politically feasible, returning autonomy to local government whilst retaining a workable balance between concerns about national equity and local control.