Preston City Council
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| Preston City Council | |
|---|---|
| Name | Preston City Council |
| Jurisdiction | City of Preston |
| Foundation | 1 April 1974 |
| Preceded by | County Borough of Preston, Preston Rural District |
| House type | Non-metropolitan district, City |
| Leader1 type | Mayor |
| Leader2 type | Leader of the Council |
| Leader3 type | Chief Executive |
| Members | 48 councillors |
| Meeting place | Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2RL |
| Website | https://www.preston.gov.uk/ |
Preston City Council is the local authority for the City of Preston in Lancashire, England. It is a non-metropolitan district council responsible for providing a range of public services to its residents. The council operates from the historic Preston Town Hall on Lancaster Road.
History
The modern council was established on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, which created the new non-metropolitan district of Preston. This new entity absorbed the territory of the former County Borough of Preston and parts of the Preston Rural District. Preston had been an important administrative centre for centuries, granted its first charter by King Henry II in 1179, and later became a county corporate in the 18th century. The city's status was officially confirmed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations, a significant milestone in its long civic history.
Governance and structure
The council operates a leader and cabinet model of governance, led by a Leader of the Council who is appointed from the elected councillors. Ceremonial duties are performed by the annually elected Mayor of Preston, a role with origins in the medieval bailiff system. Full council meetings are held at Preston Town Hall, a Grade I listed building designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Key decisions are made by the cabinet, supported by various committees covering areas such as planning, licensing, and audit. The council's strategic direction is outlined in documents like the Preston City Deal and the Preston Local Plan.
Functions and services
The council provides a wide array of statutory and discretionary services. Its responsibilities include local planning and development control, licensing of premises and taxis, waste collection and recycling, and maintaining parks and open spaces like Avenham Park and Miller Park. It also operates leisure facilities such as the Preston Guild Hall and the West View Leisure Centre, and manages social housing stock. The council promotes economic development through initiatives like the City Investment Fund and supports major cultural events, including the renowned Preston Guild, a civic celebration held every 20 years.
Political composition
The council is composed of 48 councillors elected from 16 wards. Following the 2023 local elections, the Labour Party holds a majority of seats. The principal opposition groups are the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats, with a small number of independent councillors also serving. Political control has fluctuated over the decades, with periods of Labour dominance interspersed with Conservative administration, reflecting the city's position as a key political battleground in North West England.
Electoral wards
The city is divided into 16 electoral wards, each represented by three councillors. These wards include areas such as Ashton, Brookfield, Cadley, College, Fishwick, Greyfriars, Ingol, Larches, Lea, Moor Park, Preston Rural East, Ribbleton, St George's, St Matthew's, Sharoe Green, and Town Centre. Ward boundaries are periodically reviewed by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
Finances and budget
The council's finances are primarily funded through a combination of Council Tax, revenue from fees and charges, and grants from central government, including the Revenue Support Grant. A significant portion of its budget is allocated to housing services, environmental health, and leisure provision. The council also manages capital projects funded through mechanisms like the Public Works Loan Board and specific grants, such as those from the Levelling Up Fund. Financial challenges include pressures from the Local Government Finance Act 1988, reductions in central government funding, and the rising costs of adult social care, which is provided by the overarching Lancashire County Council.
Category:Local authorities in Lancashire Category:Non-metropolitan district councils of England