How councils work

London's 32 boroughs are each managed by a council elected every four years. Each borough is divided into smaller geographical areas called wards, usually around 20. Voters in each ward elect councillors (usually three).

Councils are run on a system similar to that of central government, with an executive (or cabinet) to decide on policy and make decisions, and other councillors to scrutinise or examine them in detail.

Your role as a councillor often depends on your experience and commitment.

All London councils are large organisations that influence many aspects of the lives of people who live in their area. A large proportion of the work councils do is determined by central government. Local councils vary widely because of their style and approach they take to delivering these central government programmes, and it is here that local knowledge and commitment make a real difference.