Local government law Books

Book SynopsisThis book offers an introductory overview, for nonspecialist attorneys, to the often intricate process of financing local capital projects through the sale of municipal bonds. It considers the major institutional and individual players in the bond issuance process, as well as those sometimes complex facets of the law that establish the ground rules for - and some limitations on - municipal debt financing.

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Book SynopsisCommunity resilience requires collaboration across many sectors and professions, and this book’s interdisciplinary authorship reflects that collaboration. Chapters present perspectives on: Recommended approaches and resources; Resilient infrastructure; Avoiding legal challenges to higher standards for development and redevelopment; Organizational resilience and business continuity; Resilient agriculture and environmental considerations; Financial considerations; Measuring and assessing risk; The role of lawyers in promoting resilience; Government leadership in promoting resilience; Collaboration and building a culture of continuity; and International standards on resilience.

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Book SynopsisAs the role of organized religion in American public life continues to evolve, religious organizations face complicated questions about land use and the ownership of real property. This book on religious property law covers three types of religious property disputes: Between the local church and a denomination over the ownership of land and real property when the church leaves the denomination; Over the ownership of religious property within an independent church; and Between a religious entity and a local community over land use and zoning. Dan Dalton, a nationally recognized litigator of religious property disputes, shares expert insights that will be valuable for religious organizations and their counsel.

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Book SynopsisThis edition continues the emphasis of prior editions on such topics as the relationship of local governments to state and federal governments; the needs of local governments for territory, for personnel, and for adequate financing; and the principal activities and possible liabilities of local government. There is increased attention to land use control, an area of growing activity on the part of institutions, ranging from the U.S. Supreme Court to local zoning boards. This includes material not found in some books in this field, on such important concepts as "smart growth," "new urbanism," and "regulatory takings.

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Book SynopsisConstitutions and their systems are increasingly under pressure from identity groups such as regional and national minorities. Presenting the first comparative analysis of the negotiation of constitutional demands by these groups, Vito Breda uses an innovative methodology to create a richer understanding of the pluralistic nature of modern states. Combining both political and constitutional analysis, Breda expertly analyses cases from the USA, Canada, UK, Spain, Italy, New Zealand and Australia, reviewing the practices of cooperation and litigation between these groups and central institutions. An evaluation of the implications of the Catalonian, Puerto Rican and Scottish referenda show how regionalists seek to negotiate with central governments, defined by what they consider acceptable engagements under constitutional law. Both the systems and the constitutions themselves are changing under the pressure of these groups, but what remains is the distinctive constitutional structure ensuring democratic agreements emerge from difficult negotiation processes. Timely and in-depth, this book is a vital contribution to discussion on constitutional law globally. It will also attract researchers interested in regional issues within law, political science and sociology, and particularly those who study the role of regional or nationalist movements inside democracies.Trade Review'Through a careful study of 7 cases, Breda shows how regions have been able to acquire powers of self-government through constitutional negotiations and the corresponding forms of democratic federalism these negotiations bring about in response. Required reading for anyone interested in democratic constitutional change in complex societies.' --James Tully, University of Victoria, Canada'This is a must-read book for everyone studying current federalist issues. Dr Breda perfoms a holistic analysis on the most representative federal models, guiding the reader through the key questions: why a society decides to organize itself in a federal way and which are the main challenges that the ''demos'' and the ''polity'' are really facing.' --Luis Gordillo, University of Deusto, Spain'Despite renewed interest among constitutional scholars in federalism and sub-state nationalism, the broader category of regionalism remains neglected. Vito Breda's book promises to fill this gap. It brings an insightful cross-disciplinary approach to many of the main case studies, and draws out comprehensively the range of institutional approaches which contemporary constitutionalism brings to the accommodation of regions.' --Stephen Tierney, University of Edinburgh, UKTable of ContentsContents: Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Identity-Based Constitutional Claims: Negotiating with Regionalists 2. The UK: Identity-Based Constitutional Claims in a Parliamentarian System 3. Spain: Constitutional Negotiations and Ethnocentric Nationalisms 4. Italy: Constitutional Negotiations and Tolerance in a Patrimonial Political System 5. Canada: A Multinational Constitution and the Obligation to Negotiate 6. USA: Constitutional Negotiations and Peripheral Nationalism 7. New Zealand: The Westminster Model and Meso-Governance 8. Australia: the Recognition of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisSmith and Monkcom: The Law of Gambling, Fourth Edition provides a detailed and practical explanation of legislation covering casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, amusement arcades, pubs and clubs with gaming machines and lotteries. This important book provides a detailed and practical explanation of the legislation by detailing the purpose of the legislation, how to apply for operating licences, premises licences and personal licences, the conditions attached to licences and enforcement of the law as it relates to gambling. The fourth edition covers the following legislation: The Gambling Commission’s guidance All updates to the Gaming Act 2005 Coverage of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 which requires all operators that transact with, or advertise to, British consumers to obtain an operating licence from the Gambling Commission Case law includes: R (on the application of Hemming (t/a Simply Pleasure Ltd) and others) v Westminster City Council R v Goldstein and Rimmington “Spotting the Ball” Partnership v HMRC HMRC v IFX Investment Company Limited The English Bridge Union Limited v HMRC Greene King (tribunal case) Newham Council v Paddy Power This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Licensing online services.Trade ReviewIt is a remarkable achievement. This book now stands like an undisputed colossus over the whole field of gambling law. It is quite simply the indispensable volume for anyone who works in gambling, whether their interest is regulatory, commercial or legal. -- Gary Grant, Barrister, Francis Taylor Building...the source of the definitive answer for anything relating to gambling matters...Whatever your question or concern may be, if there is an answer it is likely to be contained within these covers...an essential addition to the practitioners' bookcase. -- James Button Bulletin * James Button Bulletin *Table of ContentsIntroduction The pre-Gambling Act framework Chapter 1 Introduction to the Gambling Act 2005 Chapter 2 Some fundamental terminology Chapter 3 The Gambling Commission Chapter 4 General offences Chapter 5 Offences relating to children and young persons Chapter 6 Operating licences Chapter 7 Personal licences Chapter 8 Appeals Chapter 9 The licensing authority: constitution and procedure Chapter 10 Premises licences Chapter 11 The temporary use of premises Chapter 12 Clubs, pubs and fairs Chapter 13 Betting Chapter 14 Gaming Chapter 15 Lotteries Chapter 16 The National Lottery Chapter 17 Remote gambling Chapter 18 Advertising Chapter 19 Gambling and tax Chapter 20 Contractual aspects of gambling Chapter 21 Gambling syndicates Chapter 22 Prize gaming Chapter 23 Private and non-commercial gaming and betting Chapter 24 Licensing Boards and some Scottish aspects of gambling Chapter 25 Gaming machines Chapter 26 Enforcement of the regulatory system of the Gambling Act 2005 Chapter 27 Money laundering Chapter 28 Gambling and planning

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Book SynopsisCornerstone's Electoral Legislation covers the five principal kinds of UK elections: Parliamentary; European; Local Government; Parish; and Referendums. The legislation governing the conduct of elections is necessarily technical and highly prescriptive with electoral officers expected to absolutely adhere to the rules. As legislation is amended every year this title enables electoral officers ready access to up-to-date legislation. This is a new title in the ‘Cornerstone’ series which is published with the highly respected chambers. This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Local Government Law online service.Trade ReviewA useful single volume to carry into conferences or court... -- Daniel Greenberg * Statute Law Review *...an impressive and useful publication and one whose greatest asset is its ambitious and comprehensive coverage of election legislation in a small portable hard copy format...I will certainly be taking it with me to our next election count... -- David M G Lawson * Local Government Lawyer *Table of ContentsForeword Legislation Tables and Index

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Book SynopsisThis well-established and popular work provides a comprehensive survey of the legal liabilities of local authorities, written by a team of specialists in local authority liability claims.It comprises an invaluable overview of the nature and extent of the liability of local authorities, together with specialist chapters on the core areas of activity including education, social services, occupier''s liability, employer''s liability, highways, environmental damage and trees.Local Authority Liability is essential reading for all lawyers dealing with general common law and public sector claims, local authority risk managers and insurance industry professionals dealing with the public sector.

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Book SynopsisThe growth of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation has been remarkable. However, the rapid expansion of the phenomenon has yielded several concerns over its potentially negative economic, social and environmental impacts. These impacts are highlighted in policy agendas as an emerging problem encountered by many local communities in destinations experiencing a boom in P2P accommodation. Specifically, concerns have been raised over the impact of the growth of P2P accommodation on local housing markets, residents' well-being and the environment as a result of the touristification of residential areas. In fact, many observers accuse P2P accommodation of fuelling the 'overtourism' problem that several destinations face. This edited book addresses the need to examine the P2P accommodation phenomenon from a community resilience lens. In particular, through a collection of chapters presenting a range of empirical and conceptual perspectives from urban and rural communities, the book considers the implications of P2P accommodation growth on the resilience of local communities and the sustainable development of places. This book highlights: · The rapid growth of P2P accommodation yields economic, social and environmental negative impacts on destinations. · The P2P accommodation sector is evolving towards professionalization which, in turns, creates further implications for local community resilience. · This book draws attention towards the need to examine the nexus between P2P accommodation, sustainability and local community resilience. · The collection of chapters presents empirical and conceptual perspectives from urban and rural communities. · Chapters impart significant insights to policymakers, practitioners and academics in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Mobile Gentrifiers and Leavers: Tourist Dwelling as an Agent of Exclusion in Barcelona Chapter 2: Social Exchanges and P2P accommodation: Residents’ Perceptions in a Neighbourhood Context Chapter 3: Airbnb Host Responsibilities and Community Resilience: The case of Japan Chapter 4: Peer-to-peer accommodation and resilient hosts in Split: The case of Radunica Street Chapter 5: Perceived impacts of STRs in the local community in the United Kingdom Chapter 6: Airbnb guests’ pro-environmental behaviour and community resilience: Mitigating the negative impacts of Airbnb tourism Chapter 7: Reframing rurality: the impact of Airbnb on second home communities in Wales and Sweden Chapter 8: Local Commitment and Withdrawal in Wake of Conspicuous Airbnb-Place Dynamics on a Cold-Water Island Chapter 9: P2P Accommodation as a Peacebuilding Tool: Community Resilience and Group Membership Chapter 10: “Not in my stairway”: How do neighbours cope with P2P rentals in housing cooperatives? Chapter 11: Understanding the Airbnb community and its community impact. The use of scenarios to build resilience

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Book SynopsisOur local councillors come from people close to their electorate: family, friends, neighbours, work mates, people down your street. They might be down your street - but you don’t feel that they are up it! They spend multi billions of our money annually on schools, housing, social services, roads, waste management, sport and leisure, environmental and public health, planning amongst many other day-to-day matters vital to us all. But what do we really know about our elected representatives and how they work, what good they do, and what really happens behind the scenes? One in a Million does just that, taking you into the office of Sir Bill Taylor. Sir Bill Taylor has almost fifty years of successful experience in public service as a full-time youth and community worker, manager and trainer professionally and as a Councillor, Committee chair, Executive Member, Mayor and deputy Mayor, Deputy Leader and Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council. He was constituency agent to Cabinet member Jack Straw for over thirty years. They transformed how Councils and constituency MPs communicated and engaged with communities. Many things he introduced in communities, education, schools, colleges, finance and social mobility were visited by prominent national figures and widely replicated nationally as good practice. During these times his work has been described as “unique unparalleled elsewhere” and “in a league of their own”. What was his investiture at the palace like? What is a royal garden party like? How do you install a new bishop? How do local political parties operate? What is a Constituency Agent? What’s canvassing at election time really about? How do mayors get appointed, and what do they do? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this fascinating inside look at a dedicated councillor's career.

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Book SynopsisThis insightful book analyses regional constitutional crises, where a large portion of residents no longer believe that the rule of law, as defined by central institutions, governs them. Laying out a framework for effective governance in divided societies, Vito Breda argues that peace and collaboration are linked to managing shared beliefs through constitutional law.Adopting a pragmatic view of regional identity as constantly changing and creating a mistrust of rule by ‘others’, Breda explores a wide range of case studies, including Hong Kong, Northern Ireland and Quebec, where nationalism and political violence have led to state actions becoming discredited. Particular attention is paid to those concerned with the lingering effects of a colonial past in China. The book demonstrates that constitutional law projects visions of what a society is and wants to be, and argues that less hegemonic perspectives increase the likelihood of cooperation, leading to better outcomes for all citizens.The book will be an informative read for academics and students in comparative public law political scientists, and sociologists interested in nationalism and democracy. It will also aid policy-makers seeking to design stable, effective and inclusive constitutions.Trade Review‘This book by Vito Breda constitutes a major exploration of a series of ethno-regionalism cases in Europe, North America, East Asia and Oceania through the lenses of constitutionalism and territorial politics. The author convincingly illustrates how cooperation among groups, respect between key political partners, and the protection of human dignity contribute to create the necessary conditions for political stability and reciprocity. Complementary to this sustained account, a crucial point is made to the effect that permanent negotiations among political partners open the way to the expansion of the democratic exercise while instilling a culture of togetherness. A must-read for anyone interested in the development of multinational democracies.’ -- Alain-G. Gagnon, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada‘Regionalism is in the midst of a renaissance, and there is no scholar better than Vito Breda to assess the challenges and opportunities regionalism raises for constitutional stability and performance. Timely and inspired, this study of sub-state identity-formation exposes deep fissures in multinational societies but charts a hopeful path for managing regional constitutional crises.’BR> -- Richard Albert, University of Texas, US‘Complex realities require complex analyses and cannot be solved with simplism. The current crises need thoughtful and in-depth research to shed light on the intense fog in which they seem to exist. Vito Breda's latest book analyzes and illuminates some of the most important problems of current constitutionalism and regionalisms that sometimes attack the status quo. It offers a perspective far beyond the usual and fascinating points of view. Very useful to understand the world where we live.’ -- Iñigo Navarro Mendizabal, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain‘In his latest book, constitutional scholar Vito Breda once again draws on his broad erudition to construct a comprehensively researched, insightful and often startlingly original take on his subject. Breda is a skilled mosaicist: he relies on case studies from several continents to produce both a rich and a conceptually deep image of how constitutionalism, regionalism and conflict intersect around the world.’ -- Ron Levy, Australian National University, Australia.‘In this well-informed scholarly work on regional constitutional crises, Vito Breda, one of the experts on legal comparison, synthesizes its dialectical aspect. Inspired by the real impacts of space and time positioning, Breda brilliantly highlights the tensions created by the obvious sacrifice of local identities on the altar of global beliefs, whatever they might be, for even the mirage of constitutional stability. Not only do we have here a clear description of the tragic truth of the manipulation of (legal) meanings by the so-called elites but also of the quasi permanent abuse of the dominant position of central states on their peripheries. This work illustrates the Althusserian findings on ideology, which masks reality, misrepresents reality and ultimately creates a fantasy world to allow the continuation of a system including its constitutional architecture. Thanks to Vito Breda, we understand how regional entities are the victims within that mechanism.’ -- David Marrani, International Centre of Law and Business, AGIR Group, Jersey‘Vito Breda’s Constitutional Crises and Regionalism paints a powerful landscape of one of the most fundamental dynamics of contemporary constitutionalism. The book combines together methodological rigor, interdisciplinary perspectives and innovative vision. Through an inductive, comparative approach, Professor Breda moves from some concrete situations, of which he has in-depth knowledge, to obtain a convincing and original reading of regionalism as a complex constitutional phenomenon.’ -- Matteo Frau, University of Brescia, Italy‘A fascinating exploration of regional governance and constitutional engineering. Those who seek to delve into the realms of territorial identities, multinationalism, political pluralism, and constitutional organization would greatly benefit from reading Breda’s insightful perspective.’ -- Hèctor López Bofill, Pompeu Fabra University, SpainTable of ContentsContents: Introduction to Constitutional Crises and Regionalism 1. The UK and Northern Ireland: sectarianism and Brexit 2. Spain: Spanish legitimacy after the end of political violence in the Basque Country 3. Italy and Sicily: Mafia territorial sovereignty 4. North America: Quebec and Alaska 5. China and Hong Kong: an a-constitutional crisis 6. France: the end of New Caledonia’s sui generis status 7. Australia and the Northern Territory: an unfortunate intervention 8. Papua New Guinea and Bougainville: civil war and a new sovereign state Conclusion to Constitutional Crises and Regionalism Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis Town and Parish Council VAT Guide is an easy reference guide for those engaged in administering the financial affairs of town and parish councils in England and community councils in Wales. It focuses on the typical range of activities that these local authorities will have. It will be of use to town and parish clerks or treasurers and those responsible for the book-keeping of these organisations, as well as those responsible for auditing such bodies.The authors have avoided using unnecessary jargon and overly technical language in this book, while giving the reader the basic concepts of the tax and a degree of familiarity with the common technical terms used by H M Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in its own guidance. The most common terms are set out in the glossary. This makes it easier to understand how to recognise your VAT liabilities and what the associated implications and compliance requirements are.Table of Contents Town and Parish Councils VAT Guide Table of contents 1. What and who is this book for? 2. An overview of VAT 2.1. HMRC Guidance 3. Basic philosophy and mechanics of VAT 3.1. The mechanics of VAT 3.2. VAT Returns 3.3. Making Tax Digital 3.4. Supplies of Goods or Services 3.5. VAT Reliefs 3.6. VAT recovery 3.7. Obligation to provide an invoice 3.8. Correcting Errors 3.9. Tax Points 3.10. Trading outside the UK – Reverse Charge 4. VAT for Local Authorities 4.1. Overview 4.2. Definition of local authority 4.3. VAT registration 4.4. Recovery of VAT by local authorities (including unregistered bodies) 4.5. Business or Non-Business? 4.6. Recovering VAT on exempt business activities, including partial exemption 5. Specific Activities 5.1. Advertising 5.2. Allotments 5.3. Cemeteries 5.4. Community Projects 5.5. Crèches and Playgroups 5.6. Crematoria 5.7. Council as Trustee 5.8. District Council Delegated Functions 5.9. Events & Tourism 5.10. Fundraising events 5.11. Garage Rental 5.12. Grants and Donations 5.13. Land, Property and Building Works (including the option to tax) 5.14. Markets 5.15. Parking facilities 5.16. Planning and Licensing 5.17. Publications 5.18. Public Toilets 5.19. Recreational Facilities 5.20. Room hire 5.21. Section 106 Funding 5.22. Shared Services and Partnerships 5.23. Sponsorship 5.24. Sporting Services 5.25. Storage facilities 5.26. Supplies of staff 5.27. Youth Clubs 6. Glossary of Terms 7. List of Useful HMRC Publications 8. WORKED EXAMPLES 8.1. Registration issues 8.2. VAT Returns 8.3. Partial Exemption 9. Relevant Legislation 9.1. Principal VAT Directive 9.2. VAT Act 1994 9.3. Value Added Tax Regulations (SI 1995/2518)

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Book SynopsisShanghai was the economic center of the far east in the early 20th century, when it was known as the ‘Paris of the orient’. Decades of relative decline followed until the start of China’s reform and opening-up policy and the decision to develop Pudong. Since then, Shanghai has regained its status as the country’s leading industrial and commercial center, and emerged as a key city in the Asia-Pacific region.Today, it is focusing on a four-pronged development approach with the target of becoming not only one of the world’s top financial centers by 2020 but also a global economic, trade and shipping hub. In 2015, Shanghai’s financial sector grew by 23%, contributing 16.2% to the city’s GDP. In shipping, it has supplanted Hong Kong and Singapore to become the busiest container port in the world with a total throughput of more than 37m TEUs in 2016. Shanghai, the Pacesetter of China’s Reform and Opening Up provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, cultural and social characteristics of Shanghai, its national and global status, and its development before and after reform and opening up. It charts the transformation of Shanghai’s economy, and goes on to assess its pioneering national role in terms of social administration and cultural development. Lesser-known aspects of the city, including the ecological environment and administrative operations, are also analysed in depth. The book concludes with a look at the future development of Shanghai, the integration of the Yangtze River Delta and the vision to create a cosmopolitan city with the capability to allocate global resources.

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Book SynopsisAn easy reference guide for those engaged in administering the financial affairs of town and parish councils in England and community councils in Wales. It focuses on the typical range of activities that these local authorities will have.

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Book SynopsisAuf einigen Umwegen erscheint jetzt der letzter Band der 5-bändigen Edition der Schriften von Hugo Preuß, mit dem Titel Das Verfassungswerk von Weimar. Am 15. November 1918war Hugo Preuß von der Regierung der Volksbeauftragten zum Staatssekretär des Innern ernannt und mit der Ausarbeitung eines Entwurfs des Allgemeinen Teils der künftigen Verfassung beauftragt worden. Nach dem Gesetz über die vorläufige Reichsgewalt vom 10.2.1010 wurde Friedrich Ebert von der Nationalversammlung zum Reichspräsidenten gewählt und Hugo Preuß zum ersten parlamentarisch verantwortlicher Reichsminister des Innern ernannt. Wegen der Bedingungen des Versailler Friedensvertrags trat er mit der Regierung Scheidemann als Innenminister zurück, führte aber als Kommissar der Reichsregierung die Verhandlungen der Verfassunggebenden Deutschen Nationalversammlung bis zum erfolgreichen Abschluss weiter und gilt deshalb als "Vater der Weimarer Verfassung". vom 11.8.1919. Nach dem Scheitern der Paulskirchenverfassung von 1848/49 war das der zweite Versuch, in Deutschland die Demokratie zu verankern. Der vorliegende Band ist, was erst allmählich erkannt wird, in vieler Hinsicht die Basis des heutigen Grundgesetzes. Sie scheiterte nicht an Architekturfehlern, sondern daran, dass eine demokratische Verfassung von einer entsprechenden politischen Kultur gestützt werden muss. Die theoretische Frage, ob die Bismarck-Verfassung hätte reformiert werden können, war nach Flucht und Thronverzicht des Kaisers praktisch entschieden. Der erste Entwurf mit der Denkschrift vom 3.1.1919 trägt die Handschrift von Preuß. Da er es für ausgeschlossen hielt nach der Revolution der Bolschewiki die deutsche Revolution weiterzutreiben, waren auch Gegner der Demokratie zur Konstituierenden Nationalversammlung wahlberechtigt. Deshalb konnte die Weimarer Reichsverfassung nur ein "Kompromiss" sein. Die Kämpfe um das Verfassungswerk von Weimar vermitteln ein faszinierendes Bild dieser tragischen Periode unserer Geschichte.

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