The council and local services in the UK

Every address in Britain has a local council responsible for it, and you find it by entering your postcode on GOV.UK Find your local council.

• In some areas of England there are two tiers: the county council for schools, roads, social care and libraries, and the district council for waste, council tax, housing and planning.
• And elsewhere a single unitary council.
• In addition there are town or parish councils in some areas with limited services.
• Council members (councillors) are elected every four years and represent neighbourhoods (wards), and you can contact your local councillor about neighbourhood problems.
• Councils publish their meetings and decisions openly.
• And know the name of your council and save its site.

The council collects rubbish from in front of your home on a weekly or fortnightly day according to the area, and each type has a coloured bin: grey or black for general waste, blue or green for recycling (paper, plastic, metal and glass), brown for garden waste, and a small caddy for food.

• Check the council's site or app to know the collection schedule and accepted materials.
• Put the bin in front of your house on the set day at night or morning and return it after collection.
• For large items (furniture and appliances) request a bulky waste collection at a token fee or take them to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (the local tip).
• Whoever dumps rubbish in the street (fly-tipping) is fined.
• And report to the council illegal dumping, uncollected bins or graffiti.

Public libraries are free to join, and lend books, films, audiobooks and e-books, and provide computers and free internet, courses, English conversation groups, activities for children and study rooms, and are an excellent place to meet people.

• Register with a card with proof of address.
• Councils also run parks and leisure centres at reduced prices for low-income people via cards such as a leisure card.
• And they manage admissions to local primary and secondary schools via school admissions and provide school transport in some cases.
• Ask your council about family hubs that offer support for families and children.
• And services for the elderly such as meals, transport and activities are available.

The council has legal duties to help those threatened with homelessness (homelessness duty) or the homeless, so contact the housing department at once if you lose your home or are told of eviction.

• And the council runs social housing waiting lists (social housing register) with eligibility conditions and immigration status, and may provide a Discretionary Housing Payment.
• And adult social care for the elderly and disabled: a free needs assessment and support at home or a care home may be organised, and for children (children's social care) the protection of children at risk.
• And you can apply for Council Tax Reduction and a Blue Badge for parking for the disabled.
• And some services are provided according to immigration status, and some are barred to those with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) but support is provided to children in cases of need.

You contact the council most often online (a My Account for paying council tax, requesting services and reporting problems), or by phone, or by email, or by visiting a customer service centre by appointment.

• State your reference number on every contact and record the date.
• If you are dissatisfied submit a complaint via the complaints procedure on the council's site, then if unresolved to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) free of charge.
• For participation: attend the council's open meetings, contact your councillor, take part in consultations, and register to vote in local elections if you are eligible.
• And you can volunteer in neighbourhood initiatives and community groups.
• And the free local Citizens Advice can help you deal with the council or any official body, and also the community centre.

How do you find your local council?