
Overview
During this lesson students examine the role of national government in relation to taxation and public spending. The lesson can be run as a stand-alone unit or as a follow up to the lesson ‘economic cycles.’
- Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and the budget;
- Assess the impact of changes to taxation and welfare benefits on people with different personal circumstances;
- Appreciate some of the dilemmas involved in public spending decisions.
Acknowledgements:

More Lessons resources
Cancer – Early Detection and Prevention
This lesson has been designed in response to the Big Vote, where children voted on what issues they most cared about. The vote was to mark the ten year anniversary…
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…
Exploring Our Community
In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
Using Technology for Good
In this lesson pupils will consider the multiple uses of technology and how technology can be used to solve problems. Pupils will be introduced to the example of Trevor Baylis,…
Why do we Pay Taxes?
During this lesson pupils will learn that public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes to the government. Pupils will learn that taxes are paid on income as…
Economic Cycles
This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and...
More Politics and Democracy resources
Why do we Pay Taxes? Part 2
During this lesson pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. Pupils will survey residents in…
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year old) the pack is designed to be delivered over a two...
The Government and the Economy
During this lesson students examine the role of national government in relation to taxation and public spending. The lesson...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Economic Cycles
This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and...
Who Owns Your Data?
This ready-to-teach double lesson pack is aimed at students in key stages 4 and 5. During the course of...
Climate action – using the law to drive change
COP26 is being hosted in Glasgow this year and will be a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year old) the pack is designed to be delivered over a two...
COVID and the Economy
During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...
Be Your Own Councillor
Aimed at KS4 or Post-16, by the end of the lesson students will: Understand the role of local government;...