Local authorities support the Cathaoirleach (chair person) and mayor by managing invitations to functions, hosting delegations and civic receptions, and supporting the official business of the office.
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 support councillors in their role as elected representatives and policy makers by providing information about day to day local authority services, responding to questions and notices of motion, and supporting their work on council committees.
Local authorities may provide grants to older people who own their own home for repairs or improvement works to make their privately owned home more suitable to their needs.
Local authorities may provide grants to those who own their own home to buy and install grab rails, level access showers, access ramps and stair lifts.
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.