Explanatory note

This order makes provision for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities of the Greater London Council and the metropolitan county councils on their abolition by the Local Government Act 1985 (“the Act”) on 1st April 1986 (“the abolition date”).

By virtue of section 62 of the Act, where provision is not made for the vesting of any property, rights and liabilities of each abolished council by or under the Act or any other enactment, such property etc. will vest on the abolition date in the residuary body established for the area of that council under section 57.

This order makes general provision—

1. (a)

   for the transfer of property held for the purposes of the functions mentioned in Schedule 1 and articles 16, 17 and 19 to the councils of London boroughs and metropolitan districts, and certain county councils;

2. (b)

   for the transfer of property held for the purposes of functions exercisable on and after the abolition date by the new authorities established under Parts III and IV of the Act to those authorities;

3. (c)

   for the reservation of certain descriptions of property to the residuary bodies; and

4. (d)

   for the resolution of disputes and other matters consequential on transfers under the Act.

Articles 2, 8, 9, 11 and 21 to 23 have effect in respect of other transfers of property by or under the Act.

Special provision is made for the transfer of—

1. (a)

   land at Kenwood to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England;

2. (b)

   Hampstead Heath and the Thamesmead estate to the London Residuary Body;

3. (c)

   the Greater London Record Office to the Common Council of the City of London; and

4. (d)

   the Thames Barrier and associated land to the Thames Water Authority.

The provisions of the order are made subject to those of any other order transferring property under the Act.