Local Authority

Definition

A local authority is an administrative body responsible for delivering public services, governing local areas, and planning in a specific part of the UK. There are different types of local authorities, depending on where you are;

• Unitary authorities handle all local services by themselves. Example: Bristol City Council.
• County councils cover larger areas and are responsible for major services like education, transport, and social care. Example: Hampshire County Council.
• District councils operate below county councils and manage more local services like housing, waste collection, and local planning. Example: Winchester City Council.
• London boroughs are the local councils within Greater London. They handle a full range of services under the wider umbrella of the Greater London Authority. Example: Camden Council.
• Metropolitan boroughs are local authorities in large urban areas outside London, like Manchester and Liverpool. Example: Manchester City Council.

Each local authority is responsible for services such as; Housing, Education, Transport, Social care, Local planning and building control, Waste collection and recycling, Public health and environmental services, Libraries, parks, and leisure facilities

The structure of local government can vary:

• In some areas, like Hampshire, there is a two-tier system where both a county council and several district councils exist and share responsibilities.
• In other areas, like Manchester, Bristol, and all of Scotland and Wales, there is a single-tier system where one authority handles everything.

Also known as

Local council, unitary authority, county council, district council

Related links and examples

• ONS: Local Authorities

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