Towns, cities and rural areas in the UK are governed by democratically elected councils,
often called local authorities. Some areas have both district and county councils which
have different functions, although most larger towns and cities will have a single local
authority. Many councils representing towns and cities appoint a mayor who is the
ceremonial leader of the council but in some towns a mayor is appointed to be the
effective leader of administration. London has 33 local authorities, with the Greater
London Authority and the Mayor of London co-ordinating policies across the capital.
Local authorities are required to provide “mandatory services” in their area. These
services include education, housing, social services, passenger transport, the fire service,
rubbish collection, planning, environmental health and libraries.

Most of the money for the local authority services comes from the government through
taxes. Only about 20% is funded locally through “council tax” – a local tax set by
councils to help pay for local services. It applies to all domestic properties, including
houses, bungalows, flats, maisonettes, mobile homes or houseboats, whether owned or
rented.

Local elections for councillors are held in May every year. Many candidates stand for
council election as members of a political party.

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