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 provide information and advice to the public, community and voluntary groups, business owners and schools about fire safety and prevention, fire regulation, building standards, and fire and emergency response.
Local authorities may charge those who benefit from the response of the fire service to domestic and commercial fires, chimney fires, road traffic accidents and false alarm incidents.
Local authorities provide information and advice to those interested in becoming fulltime or retained firefighters including details of the application requirements and recruitment process.
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.