This is an argument for decentralization - pointing out that too much power is centred on Whitehall and underlining the social breakdown this causes in rural areas of the UK. Rendell and Ward argue that regional and local government throughout Britain would restore power to the people who are now ruled by political processes governing levels of housing, education and social services - factors which affect the essential qualities of people's lives. They use the specific example of Polstead - their local town - where a village primary school has recently been closed down (against the wishes of the community) and where housing is unavailable for local first time buyers. They propose a radical network of local government based on the Swiss model.