Bibliography: pages 293-308. / The provision of local authority services in many metropolitan areas is complicated by the problem of ill-fitting functions and areas. This is particularly so in respect of engineering services. In the thesis, criteria of efficiency and effectiveness, finance, and community participation are selected for use in an analysis of the situation. The thesis critically examines alternative organisational forms for the provision of local authority services, particularly engineering services. These alternatives are assessed against a blend of the three criteria.