The term “unitary authority” was first used in the Redcliffe-Maud Report in 1969 in its current sense of a local government authority which combines the functions of a county council and a district council.
In 2016 a combined authority was formed for the metropolitan county of the West Midlands; as a consequence, all former metropolitan counties are now covered by combined authorities. The first combined authority that does not cover a metropolitan county was Tees Valley, formed in 2016.
unitary authority (plural unitary authorities) In local government, a single-tier authority which replaces a two-tier structure. For example, in England, county councils are abolished and their responsibilities are transferred to boroughs and local government districts (but this only applies to some counties, not all).
When were district councils created?
English local government is divided in some areas into county councils (the upper tier) and district councils (the lower tier). A major reform in 1972 established county and district councils throughout England, Wales and Scotland (excluding three Scottish island authorities).
What does the local government Act 1972 do?
The Local Government Act of 1972 (in effect from 1974) created a metropolitan county of Greater Manchester, divided into metropolitan boroughs, including the city of Manchester.
10 combined authorities
There are now 10 combined authorities in England, nine of which have a directly elected ‘metro mayor’ (mayoral combined authorities or MCAs). The North East Combined Authority does not have an elected mayor.
A combined authority (CA) is a legal body set up using national legislation that enables a group of two or more councils to collaborate and take /collective decisions across council boundaries.
The definitive description “unitary authority” is specific to England alone in UK legislation.
There are 58 unitary authorities. They provide all local government services in their areas. These are mainly in the cities, urban areas and larger towns although there are now 6 shire county councils that are unitary (ie have no district councils beneath them).
The unitary authorities of England are those local authorities which are responsible for the provision of all local government services within a district.
Local government structures in England
County councils run public services such as education, libraries, roads and social care, whilst district councils are responsible for matters such as waste, environment and housing. In other areas, a single ‘unitary’ council is responsible for all these services.
What are the 3 types of councils?
Parish, community and town councils
These operate at a level below district and borough councils and in some cases, unitary authorities.
There are four main types of local authorities: London borough councils, two-tier county and district councils, metropolitan district councils and unitary authorities. Some local authorities have borough, city or royal borough status, but this is purely stylistic.
What was abolished in 1972?
The Act abolished previous existing local government structures, and created a two-tier system of counties and districts everywhere. Some of the new counties were designated metropolitan counties, containing metropolitan boroughs instead.
What is the purpose of local government code 1991?
It provides for a more responsive local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization whereby Local Government Units are delegated more powers, authority, responsibilities and resources.
What is the Local Governance Act 2016 about?
An Act to provide for local governance in accordance with the Constitution; to establish a Local Government Service; to provide for the establishment and administration of the District Assemblies Common Fund; to provide for a National Development Planning System; to define and regulate planning procedures of District
What is the largest council in England?
List of English districts by population
| Rank | District | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham | Metropolitan borough, City (1889) |
| 2 | Leeds | Metropolitan borough, City (1893) |
| 3 | Sheffield | Metropolitan borough, City (1893) |
| 4 | Cornwall | Unitary authority |
There are no legal provisions for combined authorities to be created in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, or in London. The Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority are established by separate legislation (see the Library briefing paper The Greater London Authority).
All CAs can be funded by their constituent councils through a levy. This is a shift in funding from the councils that make up the CA to the authority.
Two-tier counties consist of an ‘upper tier’ county council and various lower-tier city, borough and district councils.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) is the combined authority of the Liverpool City Region. The Liverpool City Region includes the City of Liverpool local authority area plus the Metropolitan Boroughs of Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral and the Borough of Halton in North West England.