Streamlining the cities

Streamlining the cities was a government white paper issued in 1983, by the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher which lead to the abolition of the Greater London Council (GLC) and the metroplolitan county councils (MCCs).

The report argued that most local services in Greater London and in the six metropolitan counties, were provided by the London boroughs, and by the Metropolitan district councils. And that the GLC and the MCCs only provided 16% and 26% of services in their areas respectively - however the Shire county councils provided 87% of services in their areas.

The report concluded therefore, that the latter's existence could be justified, whereas the GLC and the MCCs could not, it was also felt that the GLC and the MCCs were profligate.

The report concluded that the GLC and the MCCs should be abolished and replaced by a system of joint boards, to take over the county council's functions.

The report's recomendations were accepted by the government.

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