What are the different types of local authority?

Local government can be broken down into single-tier and two-tier structures. Single-tier local government exists where a locality - usually a town, city or other urban area, is served by a single authority, which is responsible for all local service provision. These authorities include:

- Metropolitan councils, such as Manchester or Birmingham City Councils

- Unitary authorities, including all councils in Wales and Scotland, as well as many in England

- London borough councils - although London does have anothr tier of government with the GLA, essentially the LBCs perform the same functions as any single tier authority

'Two-tier' local government exists where, rather than all local services being provided by the local council, there is a division of responsibilities between a district (local) council, and a county council, which will cover a number of districts.

Short history of local government

Local government, as we see it today, is the cumulative result of years of change, upheaval and evolution. During the 19th century the massive changes in the social and political structure of the country, resulting from industrialisation and mass urbanisation, led to major changes in what and how local governance functioned.

What is local government?

That Put simply, the term refers to public authorities which organise and provide services at a local level - for a town, city, district or county.  But the roles, responsibilities and goals of Britain's local authorities go far further than this.  Local government is about local leadership, building strong communities and ensuring the well-being of the people it serves, while striving to help local areas grow and develop. Local government is complex - there are several types of local authority, organised to serve different types of urban and rural localities. And these different types of authority have different responsibilities.  Some local areas are served by two tiers of local government, while others have just one.  For a brief introduction to the world of local government, read on, or use the links below if you have a specific question.

How does it affect  me?

Your local council plays an important part in your everyday life, even if you don't notice it. Among other things, your local authority (along with your county council, if you live in a 'two-tier' area) runs or is in some way responsible for services such as transport and roads, refuse collection, education, housing, community safety, social services and benefits distribution, as well as others. You and your family undoubtedly use services provided by local government on a daily basis.

London's future as a world city and the powerhouse of the UK's economy is critically dependent on the contribution of women of all ages, race, religion and ethnicity.  Women economic contribution extends beyond business, as it includes the home and family.  Though they are often unpaid and sometimes unacknowledged, women support London's social and public life through volunteering, campaigning, and undertaking civic duties.

However, women in London face challenges of continuing disadvantage and discrimination, in common with women elsewhere, but sometimes worsened by higher costs of living in the capital, amongst other conditions.  In recognition of this, the Mayor of London's 6th annual capital women conference was held at the Queen Elizabeth ll Conference Centre and Central Hall Westminster to look at ways of giving recognition to the various work that women are doing in support of the London.

Diane Abbott MP chaired the event for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and Nicky Gavron Deputy Mayor of London.  Speakers at the event were drawn from women who work in various professions. Ken Livingstone Mayor of London also spoke at the event.

Jo Brand one of the country's best-known female comedians delivered a speech that was full of humour and laughter. Interestingly Jo trained and worked as a psychiatric nurse before trying her hand on stand-ups.  Jo is a great supporter and spokes person for 'Action Aid'.