The political makeup of the local councils in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can make them complex organisations to deal with.
They comprise of principal, local, and regional authorities - called local councils. This section lists the key topics that relate to council rules and regulations.
LOCAL COUNCILS: The complex pattern of local authorities extend through local government in England.
The roles and distribution of functions vary according to the local arrangements in your area.
As a rule your council is responsible for providing local services and specialised facilities. The amount of coverage you get depends on where you live.
This section helps you search for, and get access to, all aspects of local councils and their regional services.
You will need a licence if your premises or events include the sale or supply of alcohol. Check the process to apply for Alcohol Licensing in your area.
Find out how to appeal a decision about a Tree Preservation Order or replacement order decision. Review how long the appeals process takes and the deadlines for appealing a TPO decision.
Your local council bereavement services can help you to find resources and support. They have experts trained in helping people cope with a death.
The council will have information on any community support groups and organisations available in your neighbourhood. Contact them to check what help and support is accessible in your area.
Note: Your local council authority can give information on what help and support is available at day care centres for disabled people.
In some cases you can apply for direct payments from social services. The payments can be for you or someone that you care for.
Note: The system lets you choose the services that you need most instead of the council arranging them.
You can check to see if your local council has your missing dog. If you live in England or wales you can also report your missing or lost dog to their dog warden service.
You can complain to the council authority online. Use the service if they did something wrong, failed to provide a service, or failed to follow the correct procedures.
You can search online to find your local council on the GOV.UK website. You will need a postcode to locate the nearest local authority in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The council might offer a garden maintenance service in your neighbourhood. If so, it is for the elderly or for disabled council tenants.
Councils support care leavers when leaving foster or local authority care. Check what happens when you leave care and what your local council must do to help.
There is a way to search for local library services online. You could get access to digital facilities such as CD rentals, eBook downloads, and free Internet access.
The record office holds data on the history and heritage of each area. You can search local archives as part of research into family history, house history, and local studies.
You can apply to the council for help with mobility equipment if you need to adapt your home because of a disability or old age.
You can get a health and social care assessment by social services. It helps to determine what support you need (e.g. equipment, healthcare, or help in your home).
There may be community transport services and Shopmobility available for people who find it difficult to use public transport. Check if you can get door-to-door transport and trips to local shopping centres.
The Youth Opportunities Fund can provide money for young people to use on activities and projects. You can apply for Youth Opportunity Funding through your local council.
Get the rules and regulations for organising a street party in the United Kingdom. Find out how to inform your local council to get insurance and licences for food and music.
Local Council Rules: Getting Access to Council Services
