London Government Act 1963

Map_of_London_boroughs_as_per_London_Government_Act_1963

The London Government Act 1963 is a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that reformed the administration of Greater London. The Act led to the creation of the Greater London Council (GLC) and the establishment of 32 London boroughs and the City of London as the primary local government units in the capital.

Background

Prior to the Act, the administration of London was fragmented among various local authorities, including the London County Council (LCC), metropolitan boroughs, and municipal boroughs. The need for a more unified and efficient system of governance became apparent, leading to the establishment of the Royal Commission on Local Government in Greater London in 1957, chaired by Sir Edwin Herbert.

Provisions of the Act

The London Government Act 1963 introduced several key changes:

• **Creation of Greater London**: The Act defined the boundaries of Greater London, encompassing the area previously covered by the LCC and parts of Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Surrey.
• **Establishment of the Greater London Council**: The GLC was created as a strategic authority responsible for services such as transport, planning, and housing.
• **Formation of London Boroughs**: 32 new London boroughs were established, each with its own elected council responsible for local services such as education, social services, and waste management.
• **City of London**: The City of London retained its unique status and governance structure, with the City of London Corporation continuing to function as its local authority.

Impact

The Act significantly altered the landscape of local government in London, providing a more cohesive structure for the administration of the capital. The GLC played a crucial role in coordinating services across Greater London until its abolition in 1986, after which its functions were transferred to the London boroughs and other bodies.

Legacy

The London Government Act 1963 laid the foundation for the modern governance of London. The creation of the Greater London Authority (GLA) in 2000, comprising the Mayor of London and the London Assembly, can be seen as a continuation of the efforts to provide effective governance for the capital.

Related Pages

• Greater London
• Greater London Council
• London boroughs
• City of London
• London County Council
• Greater London Authority
• Mayor of London
• London Assembly