Under the Temples Order of 1971 the Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple, along with the Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple, was defined as a local authority with the same powers and responsibilities as the Inner London boroughs under the London Government Act 1963, except in relation to housing.

Through powers vested in the Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple, Middle Temple exercises a small number of local authority functions, with the remainder being delegated to the responsibility of the City of London.

The Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple exercises local authority functions which include:

• Environmental protection
• Paving and lighting (although roads within the Temple are classified as private roads)
• Planning (except development plans and listed buildings)
• Public health and safety
• Refuse collection
• Water supply
• Licensing (events and liquor)