Governance

Local government developed in response to the need to provide services that benefit the entire population but are unlikely to be offered by the private sector.

The Anglo-Saxon system of local government, based on the shire and the hundred, had a feudal character. Following the Norman Conquest, the King assumed ownership of all land and implemented a more rigorous feudal system. However, much of the older administrative structure remained intact, resistant to change and often resentful of interference from central authority. Although this system evolved gradually over time, it struggled to adapt to the demands of an increasingly urban and industrial society. The pressures of the Industrial Revolution prompted legislative reforms, particularly focused on towns and cities, where problems were most acute.

One such reform was the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which allowed parishes to unite into Poor Law Unions for the more efficient administration of poor relief. In 1875, further public health legislation built upon this framework by establishing Rural Sanitary Authorities, using the Poor Law Unions as their administrative basis.

The Local Government Act of 1888 marked the first systematic attempt to establish a standardised, nationwide structure for local administration. This was followed by the Local Government Act of 1894, which created Rural District Councils and Parish Councils, the latter now distinct from ecclesiastical governance. As a result, Stapleford Rural District Council and a separate Parish Council were established.

The Local Government Act of 1972 abolished the previous administrative divisions and introduced a two-tier system based on counties and districts. Although civil parishes continued to exist, their role became largely advisory. In 1987, Stapleford Parish Council resolved to change its name to Stapleford Town Council, and it now appoints a mayor and deputy mayor.

This section outlines the history of some of the key activities undertaken by local authorities. Their responsibilities have evolved over time, with certain services—such as gas supply—being managed at various points by small local companies, municipal authorities, and nationalised industries.