Local authority
In 1974, a two-tier administrative structure was established for local government in England and Wales with functions allocated at the level at which they could be practised most efficiently.
The two tiers are:
- County councils, responsible for services across an entire county, such as; education, transport, planning policy, fire, public safety, social care, libraries, waste management, trading standards, and so on.
- District, borough or city councils, covering a smaller area and responsible for local services such as; rubbish collection and recycling, council tax collections, housing and planning applications.
However, a local government reorganisation in the 1990s, introduced unitary authorities. These are single-tier administrations with responsibility for all aspects of local government in their area. Between 1995 and 1998 unitary authorities were established in a number of areas, in particular in medium-sized urban areas, with further reorganisation taking place in 2009.
In London and some metropolitan areas some services are provided through ‘joint authorities’.
Parish, community and town councils operate at a level below district and borough councils and in some cases, unitary authorities. They can provide help on issues such as; allotments, bus shelters, community centres, play areas, grants, neighbourhood planning and so on. They can also issue fixed penalty fines for issues such as littering and graffiti.
Gov.uk provides a search tool to help find local authorities.
Local councillors are elected for a 4-year term and are responsible for all decisions. Some councils have a civic mayor or chairman of the council to carry out ceremonial duties and chair meetings. Some councils have an elected mayor responsible for the day-to-day running of services.
The local planning authority is usually the planning department of the district or borough council. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines a local planning authority as:
'...the public authority whose duty it is to carry out specific planning functions for a particular area. All references to local planning authority apply to the district council, London borough council, county council, Broads Authority, National Park Authority and the Greater London Authority, to the extent appropriate to their responsibilities.'
Building Regulations approvals can be sought either from the building control department of the local authority or from an approved inspector.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved inspector.
- Building control body.
- Community planning.
- Composition of UK construction industry 2013.
- Construction industry institutes and associations.
- Environmental regulators.
- Government departments responsibility for construction.
- Local Authority Building Control.
- Local government.
- Local needs analysis.
- Local planning authority.
- Local resident.
- Localism act.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Planning authority.
- Planning permission.
- Public authority.
- Public body.
- Public building.
- Public Health Act 1984.
- Town council.
- UK.
- Unitary authority.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.