Urban District - Definition and Overview

In British and Irish local government, an urban district is a subdivision of a county that covers an urbanised area. Local government responsibilities are split between the local Urban District Council, and the county council.

Urban districts are not boroughs and therefore do not have the right to appoint a mayor. Urban districts were established throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in the late 19th century.

In the Republic of Ireland they still exist, although are now referred to simply as towns. The corresponding rural districts were abolished long ago.

In England and Wales, they were created in 1894. They were abolished in 1974, and replaced with a uniform system of larger districts. Many parish councils were created for towns previously covered by urban districts.

In Northern Ireland, they were abolished in 1973, and replaced with a system of unitary districts.

Example Usage of District