Recommendation 74

The structure of local government varies between towns and small cities. 148 Two-tier areas consist of county councils and district councils. In this structure, the county council administers whole county matters such as public transport and highways. District councils handle more local services such as planning and leisure facilities. In unitary authorities, one organisation holds responsibility for all these matters. Unitary areas may be a whole county, part of a county or a single large town or city. Combined authorities are formed when councils within a specific area agree to work together, and each area has a unique settlement and policy powers. Alongside these structures some places have town or parish councils. These are generally responsible for local amenities such as recreational areas, footpaths or cemeteries. Statutory duties