Responsibilities of local councils
There are 26 councils in Northern Ireland. They each have a wide range of roles and responsibilities including service provision and representation.
Main functions of local councils in Northern Ireland
The main functions of local councils in Northern Ireland include direct service provision and representation.
Direct service provision
Each council is responsible for providing of a variety of services in its own area.
Representation
Councillors are appointed to represent their councils, or elected members in general, on a number of public bodies such as Education & Library Boards, Heath & Social Services and Road Safety Committees.
Areas of responsibility
Local councils are responsible for service areas including the following:
- refuse collection and disposal
- recycling and waste management
- civic amenity provision
- gounds maintenance
- street cleaning
- cemeteries
- public conveniences
- food safety
- health & safety
- environmental protection
- environmental improvement
- estates management - building design and maintenance
- building control-inspection and regulation of new buildings
- dog control
- enforcement byelaws such as those around litter
- sports and leisure services
- sports and recreational facilities
- parks, open spaces and playgrounds
- community centres
- arts, heritage and cultural facilities
- registration of births, deaths and marriages
Councils also have a role in the following areas:
- economic development
- community development
- community safety
- sports development
- summer schemes
- tourism
Councils are currently not responsible for, although they may be consulted on, the following areas:
- education
- personal social services
- roads
- public housing
- fire service
- police service
- trading standards
- drainage water
- sewerage
- libraries
- planning
- street lighting
- collection of rates
- transport
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