Unitary authority
In 1974, a two-tier administrative structure was established in England and Wales with functions allocated at the level at which they could be practised most efficiently.
The two tiers are:
- County councils, responsible for services across an entire county, such as education and health.
- District, borough or city councils, covering a smaller area and responsible for local services such as rubbish collection, housing and planning applications.
The local government reorganisation in the 1990s, introduced unitary authorities. These are single-tier administrations with responsibility for all aspects of local government in their area. Between 1995 and 1998 unitary authorities were established in a number of areas, in particular in medium-sized urban areas, with further reorganisation taking place in 2009.
Parish, community and town councils operate at a level below district and borough councils and in some cases, unitary authorities.
In London and metropolitan areas, some services are provided through ‘joint authorities’.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building control body.
- Community planning.
- Composition of UK construction industry 2013.
- Construction industry institutes and associations.
- Government departments responsibility for construction.
- Local authority.
- Local government.
- Local planning authority
- Localism act.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Planning authority.
- UK.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.