Overview
During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes and learn how councils decide their budgets.
By the end of the lesson students will be able to:
- Describe what tax is
- Identify and evaluate different methods of collecting and allocating taxes
- Analyse how councils make local spending decisions
This lesson forms part of our wider collection of Economic and Financial Literacy teaching resources.
Photo credit: Wavebreakmedia from Getty Images
More Lessons resources
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
Who Keeps us Healthy?
In this lesson pupils consider what being healthy means and who plays a role in keeping the population healthy. The coronavirus pandemic is given as an example of populations taking…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
Be Your Own Councillor
Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
More Politics and Democracy resources
Law in Wales
Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...
Ethics, Innovation and the Law
Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...
Mock Trials Classroom Pack
The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…
How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?
The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the...
Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2025/26: Preparation Resources (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
School Guide – This guide contains all of the information to support the lead teacher and support teachers in preparing for the competition. Student Guides – Each student guide contains an…