Reference

The Greater London Council (GLC) and the London boroughs shared responsibilities for various functions, which included:

1. Planning and City Development: The GLC had a strategic role in city planning, while boroughs handled local planning functions. This division is evident from the delineation mentioned in the document from the London School of Economics, stating that "planning functions were reasonably clearly delineated between boroughs and GLC" (The Greater London Council, 1965-1986 - LSE).

2. Housing: Both the GLC and boroughs were involved in housing provision, with the GLC having a role in strategic housing policies and the boroughs managing day-to-day housing services.

3. Transport: The GLC was responsible for some aspects of transport planning and infrastructure, while boroughs managed local roads and traffic.

4. Leisure Services: The GLC had a role in providing and maintaining leisure services, which boroughs also contributed to at a local level.

5. Education: The distribution of education functions was less clear, with some overlap between the GLC and boroughs, as indicated by the statement that "education was a muddle" (The Greater London Council, 1965-1986 - LSE).

6. Environment and Cultural Responsibilities: The GLC had certain responsibilities in these areas, as defined by the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Greater London Authority Act 1999 - Explanatory Notes).

The distribution of functions between the GLC and London boroughs aimed to balance strategic and local governance needs, with the GLC focusing on broader, metropolitan issues and the boroughs addressing more localized concerns. Images such as the map of Greater London composite parts and the political map of borough control in Greater London provide visual context to the administrative divisions and governance structures (Map Images).