The Evolution of Local Government and Governance in Scotland and Norway

Abstract

This chapter analyses Scotland and Norway’s very different structures of local governance – a key comparative area of the ‘Nordic model’ - and the markedly different levels of autonomy in local government. The political, social and economic factors and processes are discussed starting with the medieval period where local governance was shared in both countries between Church and State, but focussing mainly on the greatest period of change, in the late 18th and 19th centuries, following the Scottish Union with England in 1707 and 19th C extensions of the franchise, and Norwegian independence from Denmark in 1814. The chapter also looks at the structure, functions, powers and financing of local government in Scotland and Norway today, highlighting some of the key differences and the consequences of those for Scottish devolution and independence.