1. What’s the connection between the images below?

2. L.O. EVALUATE THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT Local Government Do we really need it?

3. What’s local government all about What’s the difference between your local MP and local councillors? Read the story My Evening and try and work out from it what local councils actually do

4. So..... What do local councils do? I left school at the end of the day and cycled along the bike path to the local library. Afterwards I stopped briefly in the park to catch up with my mates, who suggested we have a quick game of basketball on the court. When I got home it was getting late. I just remembered to put the rubbish and recycling out before it got too dark. I noticed a police car down the end of the road and wondered why they were there? We had a takeaway for tea as Mum was late home, as she had to get the bus back from work and Dad was checking Granddad's carer had come with his tea. The neighbours music was loud for a while but thankfully stopped and finally I got to sleep with the glare from the street light shinning though my bedroom window.

5. What challenges do local councils face today? Which of the following services would you cut? Social services (help for the young, old, disabled and vulnerable) Leisure and Entertainment Transport Planning and Building control Housing Highways Education Fire and Police Other

6. IF YOU DON’T VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO MOAN ABOUT THINGS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA. AGREE... OR...DISAGREE Local Government

7. IT’S NOT WORTH VOTING AS THEY DON’T HAVE ANY MONEY TO DO ANYTHING AGREE... OR... DISAGREE Local Government

8. LOCAL COUNCILS HAVE NO POWER TO IMPROVE WHERE YOU LIVE AGREE... OR... DISAGREE Local Government

9. LOCAL COUNCILLORS ARE NOT IMPORTANT AND HAVE NO REAL POWER AGREE... OR... DISAGREE Local Government Keith House Jenny Hughes

10. So are you going to vote in local elections when you are 18?