Business rates
A local tax on most non-domestic properties, such as shops, offices, warehouses and holiday lets. It is based on the property's rateable value, and small businesses may get relief. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems.
Home » Councils » Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Council services: direct links
Each link goes straight to the right page on the council's official website.
Council tax
Bins and recycling
Schools
Housing
Parking and roads
Report a problem
Voting and libraries
Links from GOV.UK Local Links Manager (Open Government Licence v3.0).
Procedures handled by councils
Register a birth
Every baby born in the UK must be registered. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have 42 days; in Scotland, 21 days.
Register a death
A death must usually be registered within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). Tell Us Once lets you inform most government departments in one go.
Register a stillbirth
A stillbirth must be registered by law. You have 42 days in England and Wales, 21 days in Scotland and up to 1 year in Northern Ireland. You can give your baby a name in the register.
Correct a mistake on a birth registration
If something was recorded wrongly when a birth was registered, you can apply to correct it. The original entry stays in the register with a note showing the correct details.
Get married or form a civil partnership
You must give notice at a register office before a marriage or civil partnership. Non-British nationals may have extra requirements depending on their immigration status.
Register to vote
Register online in about 5 minutes. Who can vote in which elections depends on your nationality and where in the UK you live.
Apply for a postal or proxy vote
If you cannot go to the polling station, you can vote by post or ask someone you trust to vote for you (a proxy). The rules differ by election and nation.
Photo ID to vote in person
You need photo ID to vote in person in some elections, including UK general elections. If you have no accepted ID, you can get a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Report a pothole or road problem
Local roads are looked after by your council. Major roads in England, Northern Ireland roads and Scottish council roads each have their own reporting service.
Apply for a school place
State schools are free. You apply through your local council, which sets the deadlines. If you arrive mid-year, ask the council for an in-year place.
Free school meals
Children can get free school meals if their family gets certain benefits. In England, from the 2026 to 2027 school year any family on Universal Credit qualifies, and all infants in reception to year 2 get them. In Scotland, all children in primary 1 to 5 at council schools get free lunches.
Support for children with special educational needs (SEND)
If your child has special educational needs or a disability, the school or nursery must support them. In England, children with more complex needs can get an education, health and care (EHC) plan from the council. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own systems.
Council tax: bands, discounts and paying
A local tax paid by most households in England, Wales and Scotland. If you live alone you can usually get a 25% discount. Northern Ireland uses domestic rates instead.
Find your local council
Many everyday services are run by your local council: bins, parking permits, school places, council tax and housing.
Apply for council housing
Apply to your local council for social housing. Each council has its own rules and waiting list.
Help if you are homeless or about to lose your home
In England your council must help if you are homeless or will be within 8 weeks. You can be legally homeless without sleeping on the street, for example if you are locked out, at risk of violence or living in very poor conditions.
Contact data source: ONS, GOV.UK Local Links Manager (Open Government Licence v3.0). GSS: N09000010.