Who is responsible for public services in my constituency?
Explore which local authorities and other bodies are responsible for delivering services in your constituency.
Local government transparency in England
This note provides details of the Code of Recommended Practice on local authority data transparency; the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity; filming and social media use in council meetings; and pay policy statements.
Overview and Scrutiny in Local Government
This note provides an introduction to overview and scrutiny committees in local authorities, their development and the relevant legislative provisions. It also notes specific powers available to local councils to scrutinise other bodies. The note principally covers England, with some reference to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
Andy Burnham and Makerfield: Can a mayor be an MP?
Andy Burnham can stand to be elected as an MP while he is mayor of Greater Manchester, but if he wins he is immediately disqualified from the mayoralty.
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Research Briefing
Proposed unitary authorities 2026: Maps
Maps of the new unitary authorities proposed by the Government in 2026.
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Research Briefing
Directly-elected mayors
A briefing paper on directly-elected mayors in English local authorities, including a list of current mayors and past referendums.
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Constituency casework,Research Briefing
Is council tax payable on an empty house when someone dies?
What happens to council tax if a property’s owner or occupant dies, what exemptions exist and why do councils sometimes refuse to provide exemptions?
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Constituency casework,Research Briefing
Should I be paying council tax on…?
Some common questions on whether a constituent is liable for council tax.
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Research Briefing
Postponing local government elections
Postponement and reinstatement of elections in some local councils for May 2026
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Research Briefing
Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27 to 2028/29
This settlement increases funding to local authorities in England, and alters the funding distribution. It was approved by the Commons on 11 February 2026.
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Research Briefing
Local government reorganisation 2026
Developments and decisions on the reorganisation of English local government in 2025-26
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Research Briefing
What is happening to business rates on pubs?
Some pubs in England may have to pay significantly higher business rates from April 2026. This follows business rates revaluation and the removal of covid-era relief.
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Research Briefing
Reviewing and reforming business rates
A briefing paper explaining local government finance reform in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
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Research Briefing
Council tax: local referendums
This briefing note explains the system of referendums on council tax increases in local authorities. It sets out the legislative framework and the thresholds that have been set in previous years.
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Research Briefing
Business rates reliefs
Reliefs available to ratepayers on business rate bills in England
Total results (page 1 of 14)