Implications of dissolving the inner London education authority

Abstract

The Education Reform Act of 1988 has led to a radical change in education. Any measurement of the impact of the abolition of the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) so soon after the event must therefore be tentative. Certain objectives were identified by the Government to support the case for abolishing the ILEA. However, as powers already existed to address most of those objectives, it would be misleading to regard their attainment as an outcome of the abolition of ILEA. The outcomes that can be observed or predicted result from the imposition of local planning considerations on a strategically planned service; and from the loss of specialized services that ILEA's size had been able to sustain. Abolition has also had a significant impact on the London boroughs at a practical level, doubling their workforce and budget. In combination with other legislative change and often weak corporate systems, taking responsibility for education has placed considerable strain on borough administrations.