Powers and Functions

Local Government Powers and Duties
Councils have a wide range of powers and duties and all Northern Ireland councils work within the powers conferred (bestowed) on them by various pieces of legislation.

Councils also have certain added ceremonial functions. For example, they can award the freedom of the city or borough to distinguished people.

District councils’ functions can be divided into three areas:

• direct
• representative
• consultative

Direct Functions
Direct functions allow councils to provide a wide range of public services in areas such as:

• recreation
• environmental health
• waste management
• street cleansing
• tourism
• economic development
• consumer protection
• the enforcement of building regulations
• litter prevention
• the provision of cemeteries
• the issuing of miscellaneous licences and dog control

Representative Functions
Representative functions allow councils to nominate representatives to sit as members of various statutory bodies. These groups are established to administer local services such as:

• education and library services
• health and social services
• drainage services
• fire protection

Consultative Functions
Consultative functions allow councils to represent the views of the people in the area. This relates to the way in which regional services are operated throughout each district. This advice-giving role covers functions such as:

• planning
• roads
• water
• conservation

Although these are centrally managed, where there is an obligation – either by statute (law) or by voluntary agreement – district councils will be consulted about proposals affecting their area.

• Local Government Funding
• Local Government Reform Programme
• New Councils