What your UK council actually does.

Apply to be on your council's housing register if you need a social-rented home. Councils use bands (priority levels) and points to allocate.

How to apply

• Apply via your council's housing register form (most online).
• Need to be 18+ (16+ in some councils with support).
• Income/savings limits vary by council.
• Provide ID, current housing details, household composition, medical evidence if relevant.

How priority is set

• Bands typically: 1 (urgent, e.g. statutorily homeless), 2 (high need), 3 (medium need), 4 (low need).
• Bids weekly via "choice-based lettings" in most areas.

Annual property-based tax that funds local services. Banded A–H based on 1991 property values (England) / 2003 (Wales). Band can be challenged via the VOA — 1 in 6 are wrong.

Reductions worth checking

• Single-person discount — 25% off if you live alone.
• Council Tax Reduction — means-tested rebate; avg £900/yr per Policy in Practice 2025.
• SMI disregard — full disregard for people with severe mental impairment (e.g. dementia).
• Student exemption — full exemption if every adult in property is a student.
• Empty property reduction — varies by council.

For most extensions, conversions, and changes of use. Some works are "permitted development" and don't need permission. Check first.

Common cases

• Side / rear extension — often permitted development; check council's specific Article 4 Direction.
• Loft conversion — often permitted development with limits.
• Change of use — usually requires permission.
• Listed buildings / conservation areas — stricter rules.

Process

• Use Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk) to check + apply.
• Fee varies (£206+ household applications).
• Council has 8 weeks to decide (13 for major).
• Refused? 6-month appeal window to the Planning Inspectorate.

National scheme for severely mobility-impaired people. Council issues, but the badge is valid UK-wide. Free in Wales, Scotland; up to £10 in England.

Who qualifies (automatic)

• Higher-rate mobility component of DLA / PIP (10+ points "moving around").
• WPMS (War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement).
• Registered blind.
• AFCS armed forces (lump sum tariff 1–8).

Discretionary route

• Other severe mobility issues + medical evidence.
• Council may require independent assessment.
• Valid 3 years; renew before expiry.

Council coordinates Reception (age 4-5) + secondary (age 11) admission for state schools. Faith and grammar schools have own criteria.

Key dates

• Reception (Sept entry): apply by 15 January previous year. Allocation: 16 April.
• Secondary (Year 7 Sept entry): apply by 31 October previous year. Allocation: 1 March.
• In-year admissions (mid-year move): apply directly to council all year.

If you don't get a preferred school

• Independent appeal panel hearing within 40 school days.
• ~30-40% of appeals succeed nationally (varies by school).
• Free; family legal aid not available but many local groups offer advice.

Council issues resident parking permits + Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for council parking offences. PCNs are civil debt, not criminal.

Resident permits

• Apply via council; usually £30–£300/yr (London much higher).
• Proof of address + V5C log book.
• Some councils tier by vehicle emissions / first vs second car.

Challenge a PCN

• 28 days to formally challenge (14 if discount paid).
• If council rejects: 28 days to appeal to Traffic Penalty Tribunal (free).
• ~50% of appeals are upheld nationally.

If you (or someone you care for) struggles with daily living, you have a statutory right to a needs assessment by the council. Free. Triggers possible care funding.

Process

• Request from council adult social care team.
• Statutory 8 weeks to complete (Care Act 2014 + Care Statutory Guidance).
• Assessment is needs-based, not means-tested.
• If needs met by council care, separate financial assessment determines whether you pay.
• Capital threshold £23,250 (England).

Carer's assessment

• Unpaid carers can request a separate Carer's Assessment under Care Act 2014 s.10.
• Same 8-week target.

You have a legal right to ask any UK public body (including councils) for information they hold. Free. They must respond within 20 working days.

How to request

• Email FOI team or use council's online form.
• Be specific: "Please provide…" describing what you want.
• Date your request.
• 20 working days for response (28 days if complex).

If refused

• Ask for internal review (formal complaint to FOI Officer).
• If still refused, complain to ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) — ico.org.uk.