Some of the public bodies which are involved in governing Birmingham will be familiar to most people - the local council, schools, hospitals and the police. Many people will also come into contact with agencies which run the benefits and pension system or the criminal justice system.

Other parts of our public life may seem familiar, like transport, housing, culture, sport and the environment, but the bodies which look after them, or distribute money for others to spend, are less well known. Many of them, like the Lottery distributors, Arts Council and Sports Boards, will give grants to groups for projects in their community.