Local Government in the UK

Local government provides the services that most people use every day: schools, social care, libraries, refuse collection, planning, public health, local roads and council housing. It is funded by a combination of central government grants, council tax paid by residents, and business rates paid by local firms.

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England has a mix of structures: county and district councils in some areas, unitary authorities in others, and combined authorities led by directly elected metro mayors in places such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have unitary local councils. Councillors are elected, usually for four-year terms.

You may be asked which level of government collects council tax (the local council), or which services the local council provides.

Test yourself on this topic

These questions from the official-format question bank cover the same material. Tap any question to see the correct answer and a short explanation.

1. Many local authorities appoint ______, who is the ceremonial leader of the council
2. Where can you get details about the small claims procedure?
3. Which TWO of the following would you contact for legal advice?
4. What happens when members of Parliament (MPs) hold surgeries?
5. Who do some local councils appoint as a ceremonial leader?
6. When are local elections for councillors held?

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