History of local government in the United Kingdom
Encyclopedia
The history of local government in the United Kingdom covers the development of local government
in the United Kingdom
since its formation in 1707. Each of the four countries of the United Kingdom
has a separate system of local government with origins that predate the UK itself. Little changed until the 19th century after which each system experienced a constant evolution of organisation and function. Following devolution at the end of the 20th century, the Scottish Parliament
exercises power over local government in Scotland, the Northern Ireland Assembly
exercises power over local government in Northern Ireland
, the Welsh Assembly exercises power over local government in Wales and the UK Parliament continues to exercise power over local government in England.
For details of the history of local government in each country, see:
Local government
Local government refers collectively to administrative authorities over areas that are smaller than a state.The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or federal government...
in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
since its formation in 1707. Each of the four countries of the United Kingdom
Countries of the United Kingdom
Countries of the United Kingdom is a term used to describe England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. These four countries together form the sovereign state of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which is also described as a country. The alternative terms, constituent...
has a separate system of local government with origins that predate the UK itself. Little changed until the 19th century after which each system experienced a constant evolution of organisation and function. Following devolution at the end of the 20th century, the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is the devolved national, unicameral legislature of Scotland, located in the Holyrood area of the capital, Edinburgh. The Parliament, informally referred to as "Holyrood", is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament...
exercises power over local government in Scotland, the Northern Ireland Assembly
Northern Ireland Assembly
The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive...
exercises power over local government in Northern Ireland
Local government in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is divided into 26 districts for local government purposes. In Northern Ireland local councils do not carry out the same range of functions as those in the rest of the United Kingdom, for example they have no responsibility for education, for road building or for housing...
, the Welsh Assembly exercises power over local government in Wales and the UK Parliament continues to exercise power over local government in England.
For details of the history of local government in each country, see:
- History of local government in EnglandHistory of local government in EnglandThe history of local government in England is one of gradual change and evolution since the Middle Ages. England has never possessed a formal written constitution, with the result that modern administration is based on precedent, and is derived from administrative powers granted to older systems,...
- History of local government in Northern Ireland
- History of local government in Scotland
- History of local government in WalesHistory of local government in WalesThe history of local government Wales in a recognisably modern form emerged during the late 19th century.-Local Government Act 1888:From 1889 to 1974, counties made up of administrative counties and county boroughs were used for local government purposes. The counties were created by the Local...