Lesson Starter What are the questions to these answers? Once a week on Thursdays. Scrutinise the work of the government. Wednesday afternoons and Thursdays. Electronic keypads Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. 1. First minister questions 2. What is the purpose of FMQs? 3. when do debates take place in the SP? 4. How do MSPs vote? 5. When are committee meetings held?

Today we will… Identify services that local councils provide. Outline the work of a local councillor.

Success Criteria I can explain the different services that local councils provide and point out examples. I can apply my knowledge of the work of a local councillor by answering a knowledge question.

Local Councils

What services do local councils provide? With your shoulder partner, think about your local area and create list of services that Glasgow City council provide. What services do local councils provide? Finance Cultural Services Roads Planning & Transport Housing Education

Local Councils If you live in Glasgow, then your local council is Glasgow City Council. This is also known as the Local Authority. Glasgow City Council is responsible for delivering a vast range of services to its people such as your school, local swimming pool and library. Glasgow City Council has many different responsibilities.

Just like in Parliament when decisions are made, we also need a representative to make decisions on our behalf at the Council. Local Councillors represent us at the Council. If someone is unhappy or has a comment to make about Council services, then they can contact their local Councillor. Councillors are also elected to represent smaller parts of the Council area, these ‘smaller parts’ are called ‘wards’. There are 21 wards in Glasgow. There are 79 Councillors

The Work of a Councillor Elected Councillors represent constituents in many different ways. They will hold surgeries, like MSPs, to listen to constituents, and also answer telephone calls, emails, letters etc. Councillors will liaise with permanent council employed staff to provide the best standard of service to residents. Councillors can also vote on Council business such as where money will be spent or whether services will be stopped or introduced. Councillors often attend community meetings and events. The media is often used by councillors to communicate with people, such as advertising the next Surgery in local press.

The Work of a Councillor Below are some examples of the work of a councillor. Create a Monday – Sunday diary for the councillor. Add in examples of what problems Councillors may be dealing with. Reply to constituents letters/emails Meeting with transport department re. school buses Community group meeting 7pm Finance committee meeting, City Chambers Surgery 6.30 – 8.30pm, Secondary School Meeting with MSP to discuss education concerns Attend opening of new swimming pool. Reply to Constituents letters, emails, phone calls Attend Council meeting, full day Attend school parent council Contact local press with updates Education committee meeting

Find your ward… http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/councillorsandcommittees/addressSearch.asp

Question: Councillors can represent their constituents in a number of ways. Describe, in detail, how councillors can represent their constituents (6 Marks)

Was I successful? I can explain the different services that local councils provide and point out examples. I can apply my knowledge of the work of a local councillor by answering a knowledge question.