Municipal undertakings

A municipal undertaking is any activity controlled and operated by a local council . There are 26 local councils in Northern Ireland, eg Belfast City Council. People who live in the area vote for their representatives to be on the council.

Local councils are responsible for a variety of services, including refuse collection, parks, leisure centres, housing and car parks.

Councils are involved in some business activities which make them a profit. This additional money can be used for other schemes in the council area. For example, many councils run leisure centres in their area. If consumers wish to use this service they have to pay a fee, allowing the council to make money.