What Councils Do
Councils play a vital role in the everyday lives of residents, communities and businesses. They deliver services that help people at every stage of life, support local communities and businesses, and help shape the places where we live, work and spend our leisure time.
Some council services are highly visible, such as collecting waste and maintaining parks, while others work behind the scenes to support vulnerable residents, protect public health and plan for the future of local areas.
Local councils provide services such as:
- Housing and homelessness support
- Planning and building control
- Waste collection, recycling and street cleansing
- Parks, playgrounds and open spaces
- Climate change and environmental initiatives
- Economic development and business support
- Community safety and crime reduction
- Leisure centres, sports facilities and activities
- Arts, culture, heritage and tourism
- Public health and wellbeing
- Children's and adults' social care
- Education and lifelong learning
- Support for vulnerable residents
- Road maintenance, transport and street lighting
- Emergency planning and responses to incidents such as flooding or severe weather
Different Types of Councils
Local government in England is made up of different types of councils, each with responsibility for particular services. These include parish councils, district or borough councils, county councils and unitary councils.
Blaby District Council is a district council, which means it works alongside Leicestershire County Council and local parish councils to deliver services across the district.
Working with Communities
Councils do much more than simply provide services. They work closely with residents, businesses, community groups, the NHS, emergency services and other organisations to improve the quality of life in their local area.
Councils help to:
- Support thriving and sustainable communities
- Protect and enhance the local environment
- Encourage economic growth and investment
- Improve health and wellbeing
- Tackle inequalities and support those most in need
- Plan for future housing, infrastructure and community facilities
How Are Councils Funded?
Council services are funded through a combination of council tax, business rates, fees and charges, grants and funding from central government.
Councils must carefully balance their budgets and make decisions about how resources are used to deliver the services that matter most to local communities.
Why Does This Matter to Councillors?
Councillors help make decisions about local priorities, policies and spending. They represent the views of residents, scrutinise council performance and work with communities to bring about positive change.
As a councillor, you can help influence decisions that affect where people live, work and raise their families, making a real difference to the future of your community.