Local authorities may provide financial support to owners of historic structures and buildings to conserve and improve them for the benefit of communities and the public.
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.