One of the reasons for the paucity of comparative studies of central — local government relations is the absence of a common set of terms and concepts which may form the basis for comparison. Commonly used terms, such as ‘centralisation’ and ‘decentralisation’, are highly ambiguous. In order that comparative study may develop, it is important to isolate the salient dimensions along which patterns of central-local relations vary cross-nationally. On the basis of an exploration of central — local relations in European unitary states, there are three main dimensions for comparison: The functions of local government, the discretion that local authorities have in carrying them out, and the patterns of access between the political and the administrative elites of the centre and locality.
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