Public Sector

Question 1

Explain what is meant by the Public Sector in the UK.

Answer 1

The public sector represents all the jobs and services provided by the Government. This includes the national health service, the armed forces and state education.

Question 2

Describe how the public sector is funded.

Answer 2

Money to pay for these is raised through a variety of taxes, eg:

Income tax
National Insurance
VAT
Air passenger duty
Fuel duty

Once this tax is collected it is allocated to various government budgets. Almost all of the public services provided in Scotland are paid for through taxes raised by national or local government.

Question 3

Scottish government has devolved powers. Explain what this means.

Answer 3

The Scottish Government is based in Holyrood. It is responsible for “devolved” matters. These include health, education, police and transport.

Question 4

Describe some of the responsibilities of local government in Scotland.

Answer 4

Examples include housing, schools, bin collection and recycling.