Although it is only a little over three years since publication of the previous edition, important changes in the law have necessitated the updating of this well-established and popular book to a nineteenth edition. These include the coming into force of most of the unimplemented provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000; new Accounts and Audit Regulations in 2005 in Wales; new provisions relating to councillors' allowances in England and Wales; a new capital finance regime enacted by the Local Government Act 2003; new powers for councils to control certain types of anti-social behaviour in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003; a new public services ombudsman in Wales; and new powers for councils relating to dog control and litter in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Changes have also been made in other legislation, for example by the Licensing Act 2003, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Gaming Act 2005 (lotteries). As usual, many detailed changes have been made to regulations and orders. In May 2006, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was abolished and most of its functions transferred to a new Department for Communities and Local Government. The alphabetical format of the book remains the same, as does its extensive but clear coverage of all aspects of the law and practice of parish, town and community councils in England and Wales. New councillors, in particular, will find this book invaluable and, in fact, many clerks insist that all their councillors have a copy to ensure they have a full understanding of their duties and responsibilities. It is also an essential reference for clerks themselves.