We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
How local councils work in England - types of council, decision-making, council finances, local councillors and making complaints
This guide relates to councils in England. Find information about councils…
The full council (a meeting of all council members) is responsible for all…
Many local councils provide information on their websites to show how they…
Local councillors are elected for 4-year terms by the local community to…
If you feel that a council service has not been properly delivered, you…
How to apply for a council house or flat - housing waiting lists, types of tenancies, the Right to Buy scheme and repairs, complaining about the council
You apply for council housing through your local council. Each council has…
Your tenancy agreement is a legal document and tells you all the rules…
You’re likely to be responsible for things like: fixing a curtain or…
Follow these steps if you have a problem with your council housing:…
You’re likely to lose your tenancy and you could lose your right to…
Under the Right to Buy scheme, you can apply to buy your council home if:…
Your Council Tax bill - how to work it out, who has to pay, discounts and exemptions for students and disabled people, second homes, empty properties, paying the bill and getting the Council Tax rebate.
You’ll need to know 3 things: the valuation band for your home in England…
You’ll usually have to pay Council Tax if you’re 18 or over. A full…
Households where everyone’s a full-time student do not have to pay Council…
You might be able to apply for a Council Tax discount or exemption if you…
Second homes You’ll usually have to pay Council Tax on another property…
Your Council Tax bill tells you: how much you have to pay for the year how…
Information on the different types of council and their electoral arrangements.
How to set up a commons council to manage common land.
Complain to your council if they have done something wrong, failed to provide a service or not followed correct procedures
The Council on Tribunals was an advisory non-departmental public body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice to keep under review and report on the constitution and working of tribunals under its supervision and, where necessary, to consider and report on...
Find your local authority in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
The Council for Science and Technology (CST) advises the Prime Minister on science and technology policy issues across government.
How councils should deal with litter, refuse and dog mess, and the penalties they can give.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab).