London boroughs

Greater London in England (wo City of London) (zoom)

London boroughs are the 32 subdivisions of London which, along with the City of London, make up the administrative area of Greater London. Each borough is governed by a Borough Council. The London boroughs were all created on 1 April 1965 upon the establishment of Greater London. They are the principal local government units in the metropolis and are responsible for areas such as planning, local roads, public health, and social services.

History

The creation of the London boroughs was a result of the London Government Act 1963, which aimed to create a more efficient administrative structure for Greater London. Prior to this, London was divided into 28 metropolitan boroughs, which were part of either the County of London or Middlesex, along with parts of other counties. The Act abolished these and established 32 new boroughs, which included the whole of Greater London outside the City of London.

Governance

Each London borough is governed by a borough council. The councils are elected every four years. The powers of the borough councils include most local government functions, such as local planning, schools, social services, local roads, and refuse collection. Some services, such as fire services, police, and public transport, are run by joint arrangements between the boroughs and the Greater London Authority.

Boroughs

The 32 London boroughs are:

1. Barking and Dagenham
2. Barnet
3. Bexley
4. Brent
5. Bromley
6. Camden
7. Croydon
8. Ealing
9. Enfield
10. Greenwich
11. Hackney
12. Hammersmith and Fulham
13. Haringey
14. Harrow
15. Havering
16. Hillingdon
17. Hounslow
18. Islington
19. Kensington and Chelsea
20. Kingston upon Thames
21. Lambeth
22. Lewisham
23. Merton
24. Newham
25. Redbridge
26. Richmond upon Thames
27. Southwark
28. Sutton
29. Tower Hamlets
30. Waltham Forest
31. Wandsworth
32. Westminster

Demographics and Area

The London boroughs vary significantly in size, population, and character. From the densely populated inner-city areas with a rich multicultural heritage, such as Tower Hamlets and Newham, to the more suburban outer boroughs like Bromley and Hillingdon, each borough has its unique identity and community. The boroughs are also responsible for maintaining local parks, libraries, and museums, contributing to the cultural and social landscape of London.

Challenges and Criticisms

The London boroughs face various challenges, including housing shortages, social inequality, and environmental issues. The high cost of living and the demand for affordable housing are significant concerns in many boroughs. Additionally, there are criticisms regarding the variation in services and governance quality between different boroughs.

See Also

• Greater London Authority
• City of London
• London Government Act 1963