Local Government
Local government in England is typically structured into three tiers: County Councils, District Councils, and Parish (or Town) Councils. Each tier has distinct responsibilities and serves different population sizes and geographic areas.
1. County Councils
These cover larger geographic areas and oversee strategic services that benefit the wider population.
Key responsibilities include:
Education (e.g. running state schools)
Social services and safeguarding
Highways and transport (major roads)
Libraries and waste disposal
2. District Councils
Operating within county boundaries, these smaller councils handle more localised services.
Key responsibilities include:
Housing and homelessness
Local planning and building control
Waste collection and recycling
Environmental health and licensing
3. Parish or Town Councils
These are the most local tier, covering towns, villages, or small communities.
Key responsibilities include:
Maintenance of parks, cemeteries, and allotments
Street lighting and local events
Representing community views on planning
This three-tier system ensures services are managed at the appropriate level for efficiency and community relevance.