Government in Wales

WalesGovernment

Unitary Authorities
Local authorities are described by the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 as "principal councils", and their areas as "principal areas".

Under the Act, each council formed for a county is allocated the respective English and Welsh descriptions of County Council/Cyngor Sir, each council formed for a County Borough is allocated the respective descriptions of County Borough Council / Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol; in all cases the shorter alternative forms Council / Cyngor can be used.

Wales is divided into 22 of these unitary authorities, 11 of which are defined as counties and 11 as county boroughs:

Each council is responsible for the provision of all local government services, including:


 * education
 * social work
 * environmental protection
 * local highways

Community Councils
Within these areas there are also elected Community Councils to which responsibility for specific aspects of the application of local policy may be devolved.