FAQs
Planning and Environment
- Calculation of plinth/ floor plan area
- Prices are charged per location of the stand
- Multiply floor area by prices for the relevant location or use
- Add VAT and Administration fees
Planning permission is the legal approval required types of construction or land use changes. You need it for new builds, major renovations, or significant changes to a property’s use. Some smaller projects, like interior renovations, may not require planning permission.
Planning applications can be submitted online through the local government or planning authority’s website. The application includes detailed plans, designs, and the intended use of the building or land. There is usually an application fee involved
The approval process usually takes between 8 to 12 weeks. This may vary depending on the complexity of the project and whether further information or modifications are requested
Audit Department
The Audit Department ensures that the council’s financial operations and internal controls are functioning effectively and in compliance with regulations. They conduct internal audits, assess risks, and recommend improvements to safeguard public funds and maintain transparency
An internal audit is an independent review of the council’s operations, finances, and internal controls. The goal is to assess whether systems are operating efficiently and effectively while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Internal audits are usually conducted annually or as needed, depending on the council’s size, complexity, and risk profile. External audits are also performed annually to review financial statements and governance practices.
Internal audits are conducted by the council’s own audit department to review internal processes, assess risk, and improve operations. External audits are carried out by independent auditors, typically focusing on the accuracy of financial statements and compliance with statutory regulations.
Finance Department
The Council Finance Department manages local government finances, including budgeting, tax collection, financial planning, and auditing. It also handles council tax, business rates, and the administration of various public funds.
Council tax can be paid online through the council’s website, by direct debit, by telephone, at the post office, or by sending a cheque. Most councils encourage online or direct debit payments for convenience.
If you miss a payment, the council will typically send a reminder notice. If you continue to miss payments, legal action could be taken, which may result in additional costs. It is important to contact the Finance Department to arrange a payment plan if you are struggling.
If you’re on a low income or claim certain benefits, you may be eligible for a council tax reduction. You can apply online or by visiting the council’s Finance Department. You will need to provide details of your income and household circumstances.
Housing and Community Department
- Pay application fees applicable
- Completion of application form
- Submission of form and attachments
- Get waiting list number
- Waiting list renewal is due on the 1st of January every year if not yet allocated
- Consideration of up to date applicants
- Payment of interview fees
- Consideration of interviewees by the Allocations Committee
- Issuance of provisional offer and payment of required deposit
- Issuance of offer letter and lease agreement
- Physical allocation
- Tendering for special/ prime use stands
- Sign lease agreement before submission of plans
- Annual leases fees are due on the 1st of January of every year
- Development should be complete in 24 months.
- Expired leases
- Expired leases may be renewable for a maximum of 2 cycles
- After satisfying conditions of the lease, apply for title deed.
- Pay the relevant rates for a year in advance.
- Get a rates clearance certificate, declaration form, and recommendation letter to the conveyancers.
- Pay conveyancing fees and stamp duties.
- Submit copy of title deed to council for filing
- Completion of the cession application form
- Payment of cession application and approval fees
- Get Capital Gains Tax clearance and submit to council before processing of cession
- Attach agreement of sale, stage form and identification documents
- For inheritance, submit the certificate of authority/ heirship from the Master of High Court
- Lease preparation for the Cedant
- Completion of application form
- Payment of application and administration fees
- Sign a new lease
Engineering Department
The Engineering Services Department is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, drainage systems, and public utilities. They also oversee traffic management, water systems, and urban development projects.
You can report potholes or road damage through the council’s website, mobile app, or by calling the council’s customer service line. Most local councils have a dedicated section for reporting issues with public roads.
The Engineering Services Department typically manages and maintains local roads. They are responsible for repairs, resurfacing, and ensuring road safety standards are met.
Requests for new traffic signs, signals, or road markings can be submitted to the Engineering Services Department through a formal application process, which is often available on the council’s website. The department reviews requests based on traffic studies and safety considerations.
HR Department
The Administration Department manages daily office operations, including maintaining records, handling communications, organizing meetings, and ensuring the smooth functioning of office systems and procedures.
Human Resources is a department responsible for managing the employee lifecycle within an organization, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and benefits administration.
You can apply by visiting the company’s website or job portal, where vacancies are posted. Most companies also accept applications via online job boards or by directly emailing HR with your resume and cover letter.
The typical recruitment process includes:
- Submitting a job application.
- Initial screening by HR.
- Interviews (which may involve multiple rounds).
- Reference and background checks.
- Offer of employment.
