But many are also too small to cope with tasks like disease control or watershed management, or to sustain any oversight in the form of local media or pressure groups.

ECONOMIST: Devolution isn't working as planned

But small-claims plaintiffs are also right to complain that courts are much too passive about enforcing their own judgments.

ECONOMIST: Small claims: No kneecapping | The

The subsidised price will also be raised by a couple of cents, but some economists say the rise is too small to make a difference.

ECONOMIST: Oil-rich Iran may have to ration petrol