Local Government Duties and Services

Local Authorities have no power on their own, their powers are delegated, usually from Parliament. Some powers are 'mandatory' while others are 'voluntary'. For example, the Council must provide a street cleansing service, but may provide an arts service.

Local Authorities also have a duty to promote the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their communities. This is linked with the concept of community planning through partnerships aimed at improving 'community wellbeing'.

Local Government is a huge service provider to benefit the local community. Councils either provide services directly to the public or arrange for others to do so. Most of these services affect the daily lives of local people in a major way. The duties of local authorities vary across the UK. However, the main service areas will generally be provided by Local Authorities:

• Corporate, Finance, Human resources, IT etc.
• Education - the provision of under-five, primary, secondary and adult education.
• Emergency Planning - a partnership between the local authority, the police, the fire brigade, utility companies, voluntary organisations and other relevant groups, which plan responses to disasters from flooding to terrorist attack.
• Environmental Health - this service covers functions such as conservation, countryside management, environmental health, pest control, planning, pollution control, transport and waste management are all carried out by staff in this area. Environmental Health Officers also inspect local businesses and offer courses in health and safety.
• Leisure - Local Authorities are responsible for providing a range of leisure and recreational services for the public to enjoy. They manage many facilities including leisure centres, museums, art galleries and tourist information centres and attractions. They are also responsible for providing advice on and promoting many recreational, sports and leisure pursuits.
• Housing - many Local Authorities now use a mixture of private sector and housing association stock, rather than renting out council houses.
• Planning - Local Authorities make the majority of planning decisions and administer the system locally.
• Roads & Transport - this includes bridges, lighting, drainage, etc. Local Authorities are also responsible for associated functions such as traffic regulation and road safety.
• Social - Looking after those who feel socially excluded. Taking care of elderly people, supporting disabled people, caring for children and young people. Councils have a wide responsibility for the care of these and other vulnerable groups of people in society. They manage a wide range of services that aim to meet the educational, recreational and social needs of particular sections of the community. These services include nursery nursing for pre-school children, youth and community work for specific groups such as the young and elderly, ethnic minority and gender groups and care work for a range of people including those with learning and physical disabilities.
• Waste - Local authorities are not just responsible for the removal of waste. They also need to ensure that disposal meets the needs of the environment and the local area. Recycling is being encouraged as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option.