Reforms axed councils that generated loyalty and affinity: While celebrating many councils' half century we should also mourn those lost along the way.

The article discusses the impact of reforms that eliminated many local councils in England, highlighting the loss of community loyalty and affinity generated by these councils. It mentions the significance of the 50th anniversary of local government in England, emphasizing the need to celebrate while mourning the councils that didn't reach this milestone and the implications of the Local Government Act 1972.