Reference libraries in the UK will normally have available a number of print and electronic sources for information on local authorities. This annual from legal publisher Sweet & Maxwell is one of the longer established directories having first appeared in 1961. It is, to quote the Introduction, “a database of information about local authorities in England and Wales and Scotland, particularly for those involved in conveyancing searches together with related information concerning conveyancing fees and charges and land registration” (p. vii). As such, it is not one of the more frequently encountered directories in general libraries and may not be as familiar as some of its rivals. This is a pity, for there is much useful information in this carefully compiled source which, despite the slant towards those involved in the legal aspects of property transactions, will also be of value in a general reference setting.
The main part of the directory, Local Authorities (pp. 1‐92), is a listing of London boroughs, metropolitan authorities, county councils, unitary authorities and district councils of England, county councils and county boroughs of Wales and Scottish councils. Although most of the contact details are for specialist departments such as those dealing with conveyancing charges, council tax, environmental health, planning and the like, web addresses and other general information are given for all councils. Supplementing this section is a very useful Gazetteer (pp. 93‐190) listing in alphabetical order most towns, parishes, villages and other places “with their own identities” and indicating, by means of a reference number, the appropriate administrative council in the Local Authorities section. This feature, not found in some other directories of local authorities, claims an impressive 25,000 entries. Although it has some omissions, for example the village just half a kilometre from where this review is being written (Knapton, City of York Council), and could possibly be supplemented by some simple maps, this is a useful quick reference tool of value in a number of general library settings.
The remaining 13 sections of the directory are more closely focussed on information primarily of value to those involved in conveyancing and related activities. Nonetheless, some of the details provided, for example County Courts (an A‐Z list), Government Departments and Health Authorities, have more general application. In addition, some of the more specialist information, such as the full listing of High Court Enforcement Officers by both district and name, can usually be found only by recourse to legal or other less generally available directories. This, together with thoughtful touches such as handy summary information on former county councils (pre‐1974 boundary changes), makes Sweet & Maxwell's directory much more than a conveyancer's desk reference. Although many libraries will have similar sources available, such as Shaw's Local Government Directory (review forthcoming in the next issue of Reference Reviews), the Directory of Local Authorities deserves to be more widely known, stocked and used, even if the price, especially in hardback, is relatively steep.
