语法学家普通认可的说法是：council作主语时，谓语动词用单数或复数都可以——若将主语的内容视为一个整体，则谓语动词用单数；若分别考虑主语所涉及内容的个体，则谓语动词用复数。如：
The council was / were urged to reduce the rates. 市议会被敦请减轻捐税。（《牛津英语语法》）
The council meets in the town hall. 委员会在市政厅碰面。（《新时代英语惯用法词典》）
The council are of the opinion that asum of money should be appropriated for relief work. 委员会认为应该拨出一笔钱作救济工作用。（《新时代英语惯用法词典》）