Local Government: Structure & Evolution

Part 1 of our series on Local Government explores structure and evolution. Learn about the two-tier system (county and district councils) and the shift towards unitary authorities that handle all local functions. We'll cover the current setup of 317 main councils, plus other important bodies like parish councils and combined authorities. Discover how the system has evolved over time, from major reforms in the 1970s to recent moves towards simpler structures.

Key Takeaways:

• England's local government structure varies across the country and has changed a lot over time.
• Some areas have a two-tier system (county and district councils), while others have unitary authorities that do everything.
• As of May 2024, there are 317 main local councils in England.
• There's a clear trend towards having fewer councils and more unitary authorities.
• Besides the main councils, there are around 10,000 parish councils in some areas.
• Other local bodies include fire services and elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
• Unique councils exist, like the City of London and Isles of Scilly.

Important Definitions & Concepts:

• Two-Tier System: An area with two main types of local council: a county council and one or more district councils sharing responsibilities.
• Unitary Authority: A single local council responsible for all local government functions in its area.
• Principal Local Authority: The main type of council providing most local services, including county, district, and unitary councils.

Discussion and Reflection Question: England's local councils have changed significantly over the years. What might be some reasons why the government continues to change the structure, and what could be good or bad about having different types of councils across the country.

Source: Local government in England: structures
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 22 April, 2025

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