The government has granted 36 councils limited borrowing powers, as part of a programme which should allow local authorities to build an extra 3,000 affordable homes.
Most councils limit their contribution to between £250 to £300 a week.
Furthermore, many councils limit the type of plastic they collect from the door, making a trip to the tip necessary for the committed recycler.
In a statement Powys council said: "The use of social media within the council is limited during core working hours unless staff members request access for business purposes to update information for the public.
But threats of legal action by residents near the ground and then the intervention of Dublin city council which limited the license to three concerts prompted Brooks to threaten not to perform at all in the Irish capital.
It said the council had limited his access to its offices and contact with staff.
The government has also put forward £100m of support for those councils that limit the council tax increase for those on benefits or low pay to 8.5%.
True, the municipal councils have limited powers – much more about, say, traffic lights and pavements than bigger issues.
Licensed HMOs are subject to inspection only once every five years, while councils are limited to enforcing narrow HMO regulations and health and safety standards.
"Many premises can currently convert to become a payday loan company or pawnbroker, as local people have little say in the process and councils have limited powers to act under planning rules," says Clyde Loakes, vice chair of the Local Government Association's environment and housing board.
