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
What is a Political Party?
This resource pack is the fourth of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 5-11)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
Identities
In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of what is meant by the term ‘identity.’ They will explore their own sense of identity and share this with others, appreciating…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources 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’s Really Paying for COVID?
Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have...
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…
More Politics and Democracy resources
Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change
During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
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…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
What is Tax?
During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services...
Mock Trials Classroom Pack
The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...
Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)
This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…