Lesson Starter Quick questions: 1.What is each council/local authority split up into? 2.How many Local Authorities are there? 3. List three services that they provide.

What will I learn? About the role of local government

Success Criteria Identify the different types of powers LAs have Identify how LAs works in partnership Outline the meaning of strategic planning, community leadership and best value

Types of Services Local authorities carry out their role within the powers prescribed under various Acts. Mandatory services- each LA is required to provide these service by law. For example, schools, fire services and social work. Thinking Task: Who is in charge of Education in Scotland? Could this cause any problems between the LA and the SG? In what way? Can you think of any examples that could cause conflict?

Types of Services Other services are discretionary. A discretionary service is one that the local authority is allowed to provide if it wishes - for example an outing for the elderly. A permissive service is one that they are not required to provide by law but legally allowed to do- theatres, swimming pools.

The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 Introduced to modernise local government and encourages partnership working between all agencies (such as health boards, benefits agencies, further and higher education institutions) responsible for public service delivery in an area. This partnership approach is called Community Planning. Community Planning Scottish Local Authorities are responsible for initiating, facilitating and maintaining Community Planning. Aim is to provide better services

Working in Partnership LAs have to work in partnership with other public agencies - from the voluntary and private sectors. An example of this - Glasgow Community Planning Partnership Allows for more effective and efficient public services and involve local communities in helping to decide what services are provided.

Membership of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership Glasgow City Council Communities Scotland NHS Greater Glasgow Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Glasgow Housing Association Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Strathclyde Police

Best Value The Act places LAs under a duty to secure best value Best value expects local authorities to maintain a balance between the quality and cost of the service delivered Many have used public private partnerships (PPP) to build new schools - private companies build the new schools and rent them out to the local authority.

How do LAs provide best value? Glasgow City Council have decided to end Hogmanay celebrations at 10pm. Glasgow City Council have made this decision as it is ‘is better value for money for the public purse than a full-scale celebration’

Past Essay Questions… In carrying out its functions, local government in Scotland has come into conflict with the Scottish Government. Discuss. (2012) Critically examine the role of local government in a devolved Scotland. (2008) (Also, questions in past about STV, the voting system for electing councillors)