Resource

Create a Local Council Budget

How would your class spend a local council budget?

Overview

Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working in teams, students evaluate the local needs and priorities of the town and then pitch their budget proposal to local residents. Afterwards, the local councillors cast votes for which budget allocation best supports the needs of the local community.

By the end of these activities’ students will be able to: 

  • Consider some of the competing demands on local council budgets;
  • Present their ideas on how a council budget should be spent, reflecting on the different needs of the community.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Conflict: Part 2 – Mediation

In this lesson pupils will discuss the principles of simple mediation strategies and apply these in role play scenarios to explore how people can voice and resolve their differences. The…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

The Value of Trees

This lesson is one of a collection which examine environmental issues.  In this lesson pupils will learn about the role trees play in supporting life on Earth and their importance…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Two Brothers

In this lesson pupils will read a tale adapted from Egyptian legend which tells of the love and care which two brothers showed for each other. In discussion, pupils will…

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Tax?

During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Money – Wants and Needs

Pupils will consider the difference between wants and needs and discuss how our wants and needs can influence how we spend money. To access this content, register for our School…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 1)

Pupils will learn that public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes to the government. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 1 – Referendum

Pupils will be given a brief introduction to the European Union. They will learn about why people’s opinions about the EU are divided and the results of the EU referendum.…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Democracy (Part 2): Local and Central Government

This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

Student Tools, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

How to share learning with your peers

Originally designed to be a companion pack for the Democracy Ambassadors programme, this handy toolkit will support students who...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Tax?

During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Learning About the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson gives students an introduction to the legal system in the UK. During the lesson students will examine the roles of the various professionals involved in the law and…