There are six departments which provide a range of services to residents and visitors. These are:
- Chief Executive's provides overall management for the Council and is responsible for human resources
- Customer and Democratic Services is responsible for customer service, legal services, committee services, elections, strategy and partnerships, reception services and members' services
- City Services is responsible for refuse collection, building maintenance, facilities management, grounds maintenance, street cleansing, building cleansing, vehicle repairs and maintenance
- Community Services is responsible for Council accommodation, housing services, community development, leisure grants, arts and entertainments, parks and recreation, youth development & participation and services for the bereaved
- Environment and Planning is responsible for planning policy and research, Local Agenda 21, economic development, the Employment Foundation Scheme, tourism, development control, building control, historic buildings and conservation, trees, environmental improvements, technical services, engineering services, environmental health and waste strategy and city centre management, transport planning and transport services
- Finance is responsible for benefits, audit and accountancy, council tax, business rates, cash collection, residual poll tax, property management, architecture, strategic procurement and contract management for Information Technology (for other Council departments)