Local authorities could also offer council tax rebates for energy efficiency improvements, says Bownass, although such rebates should not cover the entire cost, because the landlord gains a commercial advantage by having a more efficient property.
But Local Government Minister Lesley Griffiths says she can no longer offer council budgets "relative protection".
"They can't advise or offer council facilities so we have to suggest an area and then they provide facilities as part of their duty of care".
The housing minister, John Healey, has offered councils greater freedom in how they rebuild their housing stock.
The manifesto offers councils "new powers to oppose gambling licences if there are too many betting shops" in a high street.
Laws' proposal also offers councils a bigger role than Labour's proposals for local school officers, while the DfE contends that its new network of eight regional commissioners responsible for academy oversight will solve the problem.
And at the very least, the government needs to ensure the universal licensing of lap dancing clubs in a way that offers councils tighter controls and gives communities a say over their presence.
