The responsibilities between the Greater London Council (GLC) and borough councils were divided based on a two-tier system of local government in London. According to the information from various sources, including Wikipedia and Landlord Law, the GLC was responsible for "wide area" services such as:

1. Fire Services: The GLC managed the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, which provided fire protection services across Greater London.
2. Ambulance Services: The GLC oversaw the London Ambulance Service, ensuring emergency medical care was available to the public.
3. Flood Prevention: The council had a role in preventing and managing flood risks in the region.
4. Housing: The GLC had responsibilities related to housing, including the development of social housing.
5. City Planning and Leisure Services: The GLC was involved in strategic planning for the city's growth and development, as well as providing leisure services.

On the other hand, borough councils, sometimes referred to as district councils, managed more localized services. These included:

1. Refuse Collection: Borough councils were responsible for waste management and refuse collection within their areas.
2. Environmental Health: They ensured the maintenance of environmental standards and public health within their boroughs.
3. Local Services: Borough councils provided other local services such as parks and recreation facilities, local roads maintenance, and some aspects of social services.

This division of responsibilities allowed for a balanced distribution of duties between the GLC, which focused on broader, regional issues, and the borough councils, which addressed more localized concerns. The system aimed to ensure efficient service delivery and governance across the metropolitan area of London.