The environmental objectives and responsibilities of the local authorities (LA's) are diverse. These are the competent authorities as set down in a number of EC regulations and Directives. Hence, LA's are legally bound to fulfil objectives, which are imposed due to being EU members. LA's also have strong powers of enforcement over a range of environmental issues. LA's for example, have wide ranging powers under s. of the Local Government Act 1972 to take action against public nuisance. Beneath s.80 of the EPA 1990, where the LA sees that the noise has reached nuisance level or will probably keep occurring in an area, it must serve a notice on the person making the noise.

The scope of LA's powers are, broadly:

• Public health
  
• Food hygiene
  
• Building control
  
• Planning policy
  
• Trading standards
  
• Statutory nuisances
  

At this level of government, the planning department makes decisions within the Town and Country Planning Acts. LA's also play a part in:

• waste collection and waste management
  
• transport
  
• construction projects
  

Environmental health officers working under the environmental health department are also given statutory powers that relate to health and food. The LA also monitors the control of air pollution (including smoke and noise).


Useful sources of information

Civil Service Year Book. (Annual publication from HMSO).
ENDS Reports- Monthly publication from Environmental DataServices.
Some reports on the Royal Commission for Environmental Pollution may also be of interest.