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

Author

Tom Roe
Marketing and Product Sales Manager

Enabling real change in Hounslow with a measured, data-led approach

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Local Authority

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