Local authorities may provide information and advice to new or existing businesses on aspects of running a business such as starting up or expanding, commercial rates, planning and suitable locations and properties.
Local authorities provide information and advice to business owners about the commercial rates they must pay, account balances, rate exemptions and transfers.
Occupiers of rateable commercial properties such as shops, offices, factories, warehouses, hotels and licensed premises must pay commercial rates on their property to the local authority.
Local authorities set up and support corporate policy groups to coordinate the work carried out by strategic policy committees and recommend agreed overall policy to the council.
Local authorities, together with other stakeholders, may run an affordable music education programme for children and young people including participation in choirs and ensembles, as part of the national Music Generation initiative.