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 coordinate youth councils which give young people under the age of 18 the chance to get involved in the development of policy and local services and discuss issues that affect them such as homelessness, mental health, physical health, cyber health and bullying.
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 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 coordinate the roll out of the Government's National Broadband Plan by working with telecommunications companies to deliver broadband services and encourage the take up of high speed connectivity.
Local authorities set up and support networks to encourage registered community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups to take part in the council's decision-making and policy making processes, and to monitor local authority activities.
Local authorities set up policy committees where elected councillors and representatives from social, economic, cultural, environmental, community and voluntary groups may advise on, develop and review council policy.