Powers and Functions

All district councils have the same powers, though a different emphasis may be placed on them in some areas (e.g. tourist functions in the coastal areas).  Councils of either city or borough status have certain additional ceremonial functions, e.g. the right to confer on distinguished persons, the freedom of the city or borough.

District Council functions can be divided into 3 groups – direct, representative and consultative.

Direct functions give councils responsibility for a wide range of local services.  These include the provision and management of recreational, social, community and cultural facilities; environmental health; refuse collection and disposal; street cleansing; the provision and management of tourist development facilities; the promotion of economic development; consumer protection; the enforcement of building regulations; litter prevention; management of cemeteries and crematoria (at present Belfast City Council is the only council with responsibility for crematoria); miscellaneous licensing registration provisions; and dog control.

Representative functions permit councils to nominate representatives to sit as members of various statutory bodies established to administer regional services such as education and library services, health and social services, drainage services and fire protection.

Consultative functions allow councils to represent the views of their population on the way in which regional services are operated throughout each district.  This consultative role covers functions such as planning, roads, water and conservation which are centrally administered and where there is an obligation, either by statute or by voluntary agreement to consult district councils about proposals affecting their area.