Overview
Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different residents and analyse how the budget could be spent most effectively. Finally students present and justify their budgets, defending their decision making in front of ‘local residents’.
Aimed at KS4 or Post-16, by the end of the lesson students will:
- Describe the role of local government;
- Consider some of the competing demands on local council budgets;
- Present their ideas on how a local council budget should be spent, reflecting on the different needs of the community.
Acknowledgements:
More Lessons resources
Make a Difference in a Day
The Make a Difference in a Day resource pack has been created for teachers who want to deliver a...
What is Tax?
During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services...
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…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
How Should We Farm?
In this lesson pupils will learn about different farming methods. They will consider the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and learn how to identify labels that indicate how food…
Be Your Own Councillor
Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
More Politics and Democracy resources
COP: Climate Action
In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
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 KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
You Decide! (KS4)
This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...
COVID and the Economy
During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...
Who’s to Blame? (SmartLaw Subscription)
This activity is based on the case of R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) – two sailors accused of murdering cabin boy Richard Parker, after being cast adrift on the…
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
What is Democracy?
This resource pack is the first of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change
In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
More resource packs
Related content
Democracy resources for ages 11-18
Political resources for secondary and post –16 students.