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This is a list of the 296districts of England, a type of country subdivision governed by a local authority, that cover all ofEngland. Most English districts are known as non-metropolitan districts and are found in non-metropolitan counties. However, primarily in urban areas, other types of districts are found. Each district is contained within one ceremonial county, except Stockton-on-Tees, which is split for this purpose. Population figures are the mid-year estimates for 2024 from theOffice for National Statistics.^[1]

There are currently 296 districts in England. The districts are divided into several categories which determine the powers and functions of the local authority.

• 32London boroughs
• 36metropolitan districts
• 164non-metropolitan districts (in a two-tier county arrangement)
• 62unitary authorities (all also non-metropolitan districts, but with the combined powers ofnon-metropolitan counties anddistricts)
• City of London (sui generis)
• Isles of Scilly (sui generis)

Each district can additionally hold the honorific statuses ofborough,city androyal borough, which does not affect the powers and functions of the local authority.

The current pattern of districts was introduced in 1974 throughoutEngland and Wales, replacing an older system ofmunicipal boroughs,urban districts,rural districts andcounty boroughs.

InEngland, several changes have taken place, but only within the framework created then.

Former English districts are as follows

In most cases, these districts were merged to formunitary authorities, which are indicated in the right.

The exceptions wereMalvern Hills andLeominster, which were both split between the new district ofHerefordshire and a new district ofMalvern Hills.

SeeList of rural and urban districts of England for a list of the districts as they stood immediately before 1 April 1974.

Under section 74 of theLocal Government Act 1972, the council of a district, county or London borough (orcounty borough in Wales) may change its name, providing the resolution to do so gains two-thirds of the votes at a special meeting. Until 1 April 1978, the council had to have the permission of the Secretary of State, but since that date they may do so unilaterally. At least one district name change was vetoed: the shadow authority for North Wolds wished to become "Bridlington and Yorkshire Wolds" before 1974 at the same time as other name changes were allowed.

Several English districts have done this, whilst others have been renamed under the1990s UK local government reform. A few districts have even changed names twice.

† The resolutions to change the name of the district were made by the "shadow" councils elected on 7 June 1973.

Additionally, one English county has been renamed.Shropshire was originally formally known as 'Salop'. Its name was changed effective 1 April 1980.

• List of English districts by population
• List of English districts by area
• List of English districts by population density
• List of English districts by ethnicity
• List of rural and urban districts in England in 1973
• 2019-2023 structural changes to local government in England

• The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972 (SI 1972/2039)

• Districts of England
• England geography-related lists
• Lists of subdivisions of the United Kingdom
• Local government in the United Kingdom

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