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The main functions of a local authority are: These functions may be given a slightly different name from authority to authority, but the range of services covered will be the same, due to their statutory responsibilities.
The functions of planning, building control and highways departments are dealt with in more detail in the other sections of Learning Resources. These are the departments with which your group is most likely to come into contact. If your local authority has an Access Officer, he or she will probably be based in one of these departments, although sometimes they may be placed within policy or chief executive departments. More detail on the roles and responsibilities of Access Officers is given in the 'Key contacts' section.
Planning
Responsible for development control (individual planning applications), production of Local Development Plans, implementing and enforcing Design and Access Statements, Local Development Frameworks, implementation of national and local planning policies, protection of the local environment, local economic development, enforcement, transport policy and planning.
Building Control
Responsible for implementation of the Building Regulations to ensure buildings meet the minimum requirements for health and safety and fire legislation. Responsible for enforcing Parts B and M of the Building Regulations (which refer to means of escape and access), and for ensuring buildings (including new housing) comply with the regulations.
Housing
Provision of local authority housing, maintenance of existing stock, housing registers, allocation policies and procedures, partnerships with housing associations.
Highways
Maintenance of all roads other than primary roads (motorways and trunk roads), carrying out roadworks, maintaining footway standards (pavements, dropped kerbs, tactile paving, shared space schemes), traffic management and parking.
Transport
Local authorities have responsibilities to coordinate and plan regional and local transport services through Local Transport Plans. Visit the Department for Transport's (DfT) website for further information. DfT also has an Accessibility and Equalities Unit – read about this on DfT's website
Leisure and entertainment
Provision of local authority parks, sports facilities, concert halls, and so on, many of which are run by external contractors. Community and town councils often control community halls and run public parks and sports facilities.
Social services
Community Care, independent living schemes, rehabilitation (such as mobility training), welfare issues, advice and welfare rights information services.
Education
Responsible for schools and youth services, higher and adult education. Environmental health
Controls noise, smoke, pests, animal disease, refuse collection, food standards, burial grounds and crematoria, public conveniences, allotments and consumer protection. Fire service
Provision, training and equipping of fire staff.
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