The City of London provides local government services for the
financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. It is
committed to supporting and promoting 'The City' as the world
leader in international finance and business services through the
policies it pursues and the high standard of
services it provides. Its responsibilities extend far beyond
the City
boundaries in that it also provides a host of additional
facilities for the benefit of the nation. These range from
open spaces such as
Epping Forest and
Hampstead Heath to the famous
Barbican Arts Centre.
Download the
Supporting and Promoting the City brochure (PDF 900kb)
for further information.
The City of London combines its
ancient traditions and ceremonial functions with the role of a
modern and efficient local authority, looking after the needs of
its residents, businesses and over 320,000 people who come to work
in the 'Square Mile' every day. Among local authorities
the City of London is unique; not only is it the oldest
in the country but it operates on a non-party political basis
through its
Lord Mayor,
Aldermen and members of the
Court of Common Council. The Lord Mayor in particular plays an
important diplomatic role with his
overseas visits and functions at the historic
Guildhall and
Mansion House for visiting heads of State.
In addition to the usual services provided by a
local authority such as
housing,
refuse collection,
education,
social
services,
environmental health and
town planning, the City of London performs a number of very
special functions. It runs its own
police force and the nation's
Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey. It provides five
Thames bridges, runs the
quarantine station at Heathrow Airport and is the
Port Health Authority for the whole of the Thames tidal
estuary. Three premier wholesale food markets (
Billingsgate,
Spitalfields and
Smithfield) which supply London and the South East with fresh
produce also belong to the City of London. Many of these services
are funded from the City of London's own investments at no cost to
the public.
The City of London is committed to an extensive programme of
activities designed to assist its neighbours to
combat social deprivation so that they can benefit from the
wealth the 'Square Mile' generates. Staff and members of
the City of London have, through centuries of careful stewardship,
ensured that the 'Square Mile' has continued to thrive.
Today's City of London, through its philosophy of
sustainable development, aims to share these benefits with
future generations of residents, businesses and workers.
The City of London: a unique authority.