Association of British Counties

It also proposes that there be a clear official distinction between the historic counties and the administrative units known as counties—first described as a separate entity in the Local Government Act 1888.

[2] The ABC recognises ninety-two historic counties of the United Kingdom; and provides a gazetteer of British place names to enable their identification.

[11][12] Following the establishment of the Local Government Commission for England in 1992, the ABC became active in the review process, advocating the restoration of historic county boundaries.

The LGCE's review resulted in the restoration of Herefordshire and Rutland to local government and ceremonial status, and the abolition of the unpopular counties of Avon, Cleveland and Humberside.

UKIP has said it would "dismantle regional government and return powers to traditional county and borough councils" in its local-issues manifesto.

[34] The English Democrats statement of principles states "We favour recognition for traditional counties, which would include the reunification of Yorkshire".

Citing Middlesex as an example, he said that although that county had been swallowed up in Greater London in 1965 and disappeared for governmental purposes, the name still exists for postal and other reasons.

[45] local government boundaries are concerned essentially with administration, and changes, whether arising from the 1974 reorganisation or as part of the current review, need not affect ancient loyalties and affinities.

Among those listed at the time were the Friends of Real Lancashire, the Voice of Rutland, the Back to Somerset Campaign and the County of Middlesex Trust.