Powers and Duties
The LCC inherited the powers of its predecessor the MBW, but also had wider authority over matters such as education, city planning and council housing. It took over the functions of the London School Board in 1903, and Dr C W Kimmins was appointed chief inspector of the education department in 1904.
From 1899 the Council progressively acquired and operated the tramways in the county, which it electrified from 1903. By 1933, when the LCC Tramways were taken over by the London Passenger Transport Board, it was the largest tram operator in the United Kingdom, with more than 167 miles (269 km) of route and over 1,700 tramcars.
By 1939 the council had the following powers and duties:
Category | Powers and duties | Notes | |
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Public Assistance |
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Many of these powers were acquired in 1930 when the Local Government Act 1929 abolished the Metropolitan Asylums Board and the poor law boards of guardians. |
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Health Services, Housing and Sanitation |
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Medical and ambulance services passed to the National Health Service in 1948. | |
Regulation and Licensing |
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Protective Services |
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Education and Museums |
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The council received powers to provide technical education in 1892. On the abolition of the London School Board the LCC became the local education authority with responsibility for elementary and secondary schools on 1 May 1904. | |
Transport |
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Until 1933 the council provided a network of tramway services in the county. This passed to the London Passenger Transport Board. |
† Denotes a power administered by the City of London Corporation within the City.
Read more about this topic: London County Council
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