Local Government (UK)

Question 1

How many Metropolitan Counties are there in the UK? Give 3 examples.

Answer 1

6

A: Out of-

• Tyne and Wear
• Greater Manchester
• South/ West Yorkshire
• Merseyside
• West Midlands

Question 2

How many County Councils are there in the UK? Give 2 examples.

Answer 2

27
- Buckinghamshire County Council
- Oxfordshire County Council
(‘-shire’ counties’)

Question 3

How many Unitary Authorities are there in the UK? Give 2 examples.

Answer 3

56

• Milton Keynes Council
• Nottingham City Council

Question 4

What is the GLA and what does it do?

Answer 4

The Greater London Authority is the top-tier administrative body for Greater London. It is composed of the Mayor of London and the London Assesmbly- 25 members.

The GLA is responsible for planning of developments, transport, emergency services and economic development.

Question 5

Are regional assemblies appointed or elected?

Answer 5

Regional assemblies are appointed, however London is the only region that has an elected assembly- the GLA.

Question 6

What are Unitary Authorities responsible for?

Answer 6

Unitary Authorities are responsible for finance, education, emergency services, social services, transport and waste disposal.

Question 7

What do County Councils do?

Answer 7

They take care of education, transport, trading standards and waste disposal.

Question 8

What do District Councils do?

Answer 8

They take of leisure and recreation, environmental health, recycling and housing.

Question 9

What are the Metropolitan Counties responsible for?

Answer 9

• Civil defence
• Transport
• Emergency services

The Metropolitan Borough Councils are responsible for everything else.

Question 10

Parish Councils

Answer 10

• Have limited power and oversea a small area

- Look after recreation and leisure

Question 11

Which Acts should I know? (6)

Answer 11

• The Local Government Act 2000, creating an ethical framework for Councillors
• The Charities Act of 2006, charities are a non-profit making organisation
• The Employment Relations Act 2004, concerned with collective labour and employment rights
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, carry out risk assessments and ensure health and safety policies are enforced
• The Sale of Goods Act 1979, all goods sold should be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose
• The Sale of Goods and Services Act 1982, services must be of a reasonable standard

Question 12

The Local Government Act 2000

Answer 12

Created changes to the local authorities in England. 1 authority elected a mayor and a council manager structure. The vast majority chose to have a leader and a cabinet

Cabinet can also be known as the executive. Each member of the executive (Councillor) has a responsibility. E.g. Pam Pearce- Community Matters

Question 13

Who is the current… Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Leader of Opposition and your current MP?

Answer 13

Prime Minister- David Cameron (Conservative)
Deputy Prime Minister- Nick Clegg (Lib Dem)
Home Secretary- Theresa May
Chancellor of the Exchequer- George Osbourne (Conservative)
Leader of Opposition- Ed Milliband (Labour)
My Local MP- David Lidington

Question 14

We have a coalition between…

Answer 14

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats

Question 15

ACAS?

Answer 15

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. Works to improve employment relations.