to ask how to start an email...

[paperclips]

So, I have carefully composed an email to my local council, it's about some issues in the neighbourhood, which are irrelevant here. There is a general "firstpoint" email address for enquiries like mine which are then passed on. I am unsure whether to cc the email to my local councillors.

But my point is, I have never really been sure how to start a formal email. Do I put "to whom it may concern?" It sounds so out-dated.
"To firstpoint"
"Hi firstpoint blah blah blah love paperclips xxxxx"

Do you start an email like a letter? I probably would but it feels clumsy. Opinions?

I wondered if I should have posted this in pedants corner, they'd know, but I've probably made grammar/spelling mistakes, and i'm scared of them. if there's anything more scary than AIBU

I'd start a formal email like a letter...

Dear Sir or Madam,
Blahdy blahdy blah....
Yours Faithfully,
Paperclips

Same as amI

I would do as above and copy in my local councillors.

YY to structuring it like a formal letter.

I would put "To Whom It May Concern".

"Yours faithfully" is fine in this instance but I have found "Kind regards" is more the norm for emails, more the equivalent of "Yours sincerely" though.

As you don't have an actual name, I'd start off with 'Good morning' (or afternoon/evening, as appropriate) and sign off with 'Regards' or 'Thanks in advance' if that seems to fit.

I write and receive dozens of semi-formal emails a day and this seems fairly standard.

Your local council must have a site which is broken down into various areas.

it's not that difficult to see who the Director of Education/Recycling/Parks etc is.

Dear Mr/Mrs Education person

and cc to your local councillors.

If you don't want to blanket cc, then send it to your ward councillors and the councillor directly responsible for education/parks etc.

I do agree that if you can get an actual name to send it to, you'd be better off - then they can't all pass the buck the other end on the basis its sent to a general email address and everyone assumed someone else was "dealing with it"