Page "Greater Manchester County Council" Paragraph 1

Established with reference to the Local Government Act 1972, elections in 1973 brought about the county council's launch as a shadow authority, several months before Greater Manchester ( its zone of influence ) was officially created on 1 April 1974.

The Greater Manchester County Council operated from its County Hall headquarters on Portland Street in central Manchester, until it was abolished 31 March 1986, following the Local Government Act 1985.

Its powers were passed to the ten district councils of Greater Manchester, which had shared power with the GMCC.

Some powers of the county council were restored when the district councils delegated strategic responsibilities ( such as emergency services and public transport ) to the county-wide Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and joint boards.