`It has never been more important for citizens and organisations from all sectors to understand and be able to access local government. So I am delighted to contribute to a Directory that aims to make life easier for people who want to find their way around our local authorities′ - Phil Woolas MP, Minister of State for Local Government SocietyGuardian Local Authority Directory 2006 provides a comprehensive guide to regional and national government within the United Kingdom. As well as listing local authorities, key government bodies and postholders and public services, the Directory provides an overview of the structure and functions of local government and highlights examples of change and innovation. The Directory lists all 468 local authorities in the United Kingdom and each entry includes: - full contact details; - names of chief officers; - political control; - constituencies and MPs. The Directory also provides comparative information showing population sizes and council tax by authority making this an invaluable resource for anyone working with or in local government.

The purpose of this directory is to provide information for the authorities, solicitors and many others whose work brings them in contact with local authorities. The names of senior officers are included along with address and telephone/fax details.

When you need to communicate with top-level government officials anywhere in the world, there is no substitute for the Worldwide Government Directory. In just 16 years, this reference has become a standard authority for organizations that contact officials in foreign governments: businesses, financial and banking institutions, attorneys, government offices, research libraries and news-gathering organizations. Here's what you'll find: More than 1,400 pages with over 32, officials in 199 countries Entries that provide name, title, address, telephone, telex and facsimile numbers Hierarchical arrangement that defines state structures Coverage of executive, legislative and judicial branches Heads of state, ministers, deputies, secretaries and spokespersons State agencies and state-owned corporations Diplomatic and senior level defense officials More than 100 international organizations with top-level officials Maj branches of the defense forces And much more

Covers 15 broad subject groupings: social sciences (generic); psychology; sociology; social work & social welfare; politics; government; law; finance, accountancy & taxation; industries & utilities; business & management; education & learning; sport; media & communications; information & library sciences; and tools for information professionals.

Serials in the British Library together with locations and holdings of other British and Irish libraries.

'Directory of Local Authorities 2006' is an updated guide which enables practitioners to find quickly the correct address and contact numbers of any local authority in England, Scotland and Wales.