Town councils are elected local authorities that represent residents in a town and deal with matters affecting the local area. Their responsibilities and powers vary across the UK, and they generally operate alongside larger councils, such as district, borough or unitary authorities, rather than replacing them. They may comment on planning applications and raise local concerns with other public bodies, but decisions on major services such as education, social care and highways usually sit elsewhere. Depending on their powers and resources, town councils may manage parks, allotments, public toilets, cemeteries, community halls, play areas or street furniture. They can organise local events, support community groups through grants, maintain war memorials and publish information about council meetings and local projects. In England, a town council is usually a parish council given town status.