Local authorities provide up to date information to the public about services, activities and events through various media channels including websites, social media platforms, radio, press releases, and alert services.
Local authorities may monitor economic performance indicators. These indicators include employment, enterprise, investment, housing, consumer behaviour and commercial property to benchmark their progress against local and national policy targets.
Local authorities, together with other stakeholders, manage public health and safety by regularly inspecting local authority buildings and work activities, investigating accidents and incidents and taking appropriate action.
Local authorities may manage heritage buildings and sites to protect their historic, cultural and social importance and secure their long term future for the benefit of the community.
Local authorities assess applications for social housing based on housing need. Approved applicants are placed on the housing list which is reviewed each year.
Local authorities manage local elections where successful candidates are elected to the council to represent their community as councillors for five years.