Council Services

Local councils are responsible for areas, including.

Community Planning

Councils lead the community planning process in each of the 11 council areas.  The plans identify the long-term priorities for improving the social, economic and environmental well-being of each district and the people who live there.

Services

• waste collection & disposal
• recycling & waste management
• local planning functions
• civic amenity provision
• grounds maintenance
• street cleaning
• cemeteries
• public conveniences
• food safety
• health and safety
• environmental protection
• environmental improvement
• estates management
• building control-inspection & regulation of new buildings
• dog control
• licensing, such as entertainment licensing
• enforcement byelaws (e.g. litter)
• sports, leisure services & recreational facilities
• parks, open spaces & playgrounds
• community centres
• arts, heritage & cultural facilities
• registration of births, deaths & marriages

Planning

• local development plan functions
• development control and enforcement

Roads

• off-street parking (except Park and Ride)

Local Economic Development 

Councils play a vital role in supporting local economies and driving growth, for example by:

• Developing economic development & tourism strategies in collaboration with key local stakeholders
• Supporting growth and investment in new and existing businesses
• Establishing partnerships with local, national and international investors
• Enhancing the quality of life for their communities and making local areas more attractive to shoppers and business investment
• Collaborating with central government to improve infrastructure, such as transport and broadband services
• Working with colleges & training providers to ensure that local people have the skills that they and local businesses need

 Local Tourism

• small-scale tourism accommodation development
• business support, start-up & training

Heritage

• control of alterations, extension and demolition of listed buildings
• conservation area designation and management
• listed building enforcement notices
• compensation where listed building consent has been revoked or modified
• issuing of Building Preservation Notices.
• issuing notices to require Urgent Works to preserve a building
• community listing

Getting involved with your local council

There are lots of ways you can get involved with your local council, respond to council consultations, take part in council events, talks and workshops or attend some council meetings.  To find out more please visit your local council website or speak to your local councillor.