Greater London Council

Greater London Council (GLC) was the top-tier local government administrative body for Greater London from 1965 to 1986. It replaced the London County Council (LCC) and was responsible for a range of services and infrastructure projects across the capital.

History

The GLC was established by the London Government Act 1963 and came into existence on 1 April 1965. It was created to provide a unified administrative structure for the newly defined Greater London area, which included the City of London and 32 London boroughs.

Structure

The GLC was composed of elected representatives from each of the London boroughs. The council was led by a Leader, who was elected by the council members. The GLC's headquarters were located at County Hall, situated on the South Bank of the River Thames.

Functions

The GLC had a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Transport: Overseeing public transport services, including buses and the London Underground.
• Planning: Managing land use and development across Greater London.
• Housing: Providing and maintaining public housing.
• Education: Administering secondary education and further education institutions.
• Public health: Ensuring the provision of health services and facilities.
• Fire services: Managing the London Fire Brigade.

Abolition

The GLC was abolished on 31 March 1986 by the Local Government Act 1985. Its functions were transferred to the London boroughs, the City of London Corporation, and various joint boards and quangos. The abolition was controversial and was seen by many as a politically motivated move by the Conservative government of the time.

Legacy

The abolition of the GLC left a significant impact on the governance of London. In 2000, the Greater London Authority (GLA) was established, reintroducing a form of city-wide government with an elected Mayor of London and the London Assembly.

See also

• Greater London Authority
• London County Council
• Local Government Act 1985
• Mayor of London
• London Assembly
• County Hall, London