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Modern Studies: Democracy in Scotland and The United Kingdom Part One (S 3)

Modern Studies:Democracy in Scotland and

The United Kingdom

Source : SQA

Core Student NotesPART ONE

Introduction & Representation

For S3

Student Notes


Topic PageIntroduction

1 Why study Politics? 32 Democracy: What is it? 53 Politics in the United Kingdom: The Big Picture 74 The future of the United Kingdom: devolution or

independence?11

Democracy in Scotland: Representation5 The Scottish Parliament 136 The work of MSPs 217 The work of the Scottish Government 298 Scottish Local Councils 369 The work of councillors 40

Student Notes


1. Why Study Politics? : How Boring

It is easy to take for granted the rights that we have in Scotland. Many people believe Politics is boring and has no effect on their lives, yet in many ways the decisions taken by our councillors, MPs and MSPs can have a huge impact on our daily lives.

100 years ago no women had the vote in Britain and many men also could not vote

In the 1960s Primary 7 pupils sat an exam which decided whether they went to a Senior Secondary to study for their Highers or went to a Junior Secondary to learn secretarial, cookery and technical skills to leave school at 15.

Before 1997 there was no minimum wage for workers

Why are Politics important to have some understanding of?

Here are some typical views from some internet sites:

If you understand politics, you can see how the decisions of individuals in power affect your life. In fact, the more you understand politics the more easily it becomes for you to tell truth from the lies when any politician speaks. A good grasp of how politics work, as well as some knowledge of history, makes you more neutral and less of a follower; you become capable of making your own decisions once you know how the political system works.

It isn't. All politicians just lie to trick you into voting for them. Then they do the exact opposite of everything they said they would do. You have no control over anything that is happening to you. We are just pawns to them. The less you know the better. Then you aren't sick to your stomach about the decisions they make all the time.

It plays a part in your life whether you acknowledge it or not. It's said history repeats itself, politics/governments definitely do

Do you want others to make the decisions that affect our lives without having any say?

Student Notes


Did you know?

In May 2011 50% of the people of Scotland eligible to vote elected the SNP as the Government of Scotland up until 2016. During this period the SNP intend to hold a vote on whether Scotland should become independent from the rest of the United Kingdom.

In recent years governments have considered issues such as:

Raising the school leaving age to 18 years of age from 16 Introducing tuition fees of up to £9000 per year to attend university

(this is going to happen in England) Putting a minimum price on alcohol Changing the law on Cannabis use Introduced No smoking bans in public places Raising the age at which you can retire and get a government pension to 68 years of

age Changing how much tax we pay Has changed the examination system in Scotland Abolished Child Benefit to all families where one of the parents

earns over £43000 a year Whether the country can afford to continue offering Educational

Maintenance Allowances to pupils on low incomes staying on at school

Preventing child abuse through the internet

Still think it is not important!!!

Student Notes

Activate your Brain Cells

1. Opinion Corners Politics does not affect my life It does not matter who is in power, they are all as bad as each other People should know something about Politics

2. If I were…… Imagine you are the First Minister of Scotland. What are the three main things you would do?

Why?

If it is going to cost how would you pay for it?


2. Democracy: What is it?

Life is full of decisions and choices. Some are easy to make such as what to have for your dinner but others can be very complicated and affect a lot of people.

With over 60 million people living in Britain today decisions such as whether to go to war with another country are difficult to arrive at if everyone has to have a say. To make such decisions easier we choose people to represent our views and decide on our behalf. These representatives are elected for about four or five years and if we are not happy with the job they have done we can vote for someone else.

So what exactly is Democracy?

A Pure Democracy means 'rule by the people'.

Most people agree that this is the fairest type of government because it means that everybody is equal. Nobody is better than anybody else and everyone has the same power.

But how can everybody rule? Wouldn't it be chaos?

Probably.

So most democracies have a system of 'representation'.

We choose, by election, someone to represent us, talk for us and fight for us in parliament. That person is a Member of Parliament in central government and a councillor in local government. Their job is to speak on our behalf and represent our interests.

Are there alternative forms of government?

Anarchy Anarchy is a situation where there is no government. This can happen after a civil war in a country, when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place.

Student Notes

Learning Intentions

By the end of this section you should:

Understand what democracy means Be aware of alternative types of government


Anarchists are people who believe that government is a bad thing. They say it stops people organising their own lives.

Totalitarian state This is a country with only one political party. People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country. China is in many ways a totalitarian state

Monarchy A monarchy has a king or queen.

In some traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power to run the country. This was the case in Britain until the late 17th century and well into the late 18th century in France

But a constitutional monarchy, like the UK, also has a democratic government that limits the monarch's control.

Dictatorship

In some countries, one person becomes so powerful that they control the whole country and make all the major decisions. Often no elections are held or if they are they are fixed to make sure that they are re-elected

Examples:

The Roman Emperors such as Julius Caesar and Nero

Adolf Hitler in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s

Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe

Saddam Hussein in Iraq

Colonel Gaddafi in Libya

Is the United Kingdom a democracy?

Yes. The Queen is the Head of State and a government is elected by the people to run the country on her behalf. There are a variety of people that we elect to make decisions including the House of Commons, Scottish Parliament, local councils and the European Parliament.

Student Notes


3, Politics in the United Kingdom: The Big Picture

In the United Kingdom we have several different types of government who control and make decisions on different areas. In this unit we will be concentrating on Scotland, but it is important to have an idea of the bigger picture before we look at Scottish Politics more closely.

The Head of State is the Queen

The Queen gives the go ahead to all Laws passed by Parliament. This is called ‘The Royal Assent’. The Government is called HM Government (Her Majesty’s) and The Prime Minister meets with her once a week to discuss issues.The Queen has no real power anymore and carries out ceremonial duties including Opening Parliament each year. She reads the ‘Queen’s Speech’ which is in fact written by the government and explains what ‘her’ government intend to pass laws on in the coming year.

Student Notes

Show your Understanding

1. Explain briefly what a Democracy is.2. Describe two other forms of government and explain how they are different

from a democracy.3. Begin a GLOSSARY OF TERMS at the back of your jotter and include the

following words, with a definition for each: Democracy, Anarchy, Totalitarian, Monarchy, Dictatorship, Representation

4. Research Task: Choose one of these types of government and find out more about it (class or homework task). Find some examples of the type of government you chose, either from the present or the past. Report back your findings to the class.

My ancestors got to choose their own government, now I have to accept who the voters choose.

Learning Intentions


Understand that the UK is governed at different levels Be aware of range of bodies making decisions that affect our daily

lives

Video Clip

Watch the Queen opening Parliament.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wme0kTeoIgs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wme0kTeoIgs


The Government

The Government is made up of MPs and members of the House of Lords. Their job is to run the country, including putting forward most of the proposed new laws, dealing with other countries and tackling any crises that face us. The leader of the Government is called ‘The Prime Minister’ and is usually the leader of the political party with the largest number of MPs.

The Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament or ‘Westminster’ as it is sometimes called is where most of the law making is made in the United Kingdom. It is made up of two ‘Houses’- the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Lords are not elected to their posts.

Each year the government chooses a select number of people to join the Lords. Most of them are former politicians or people who have played a significant role in a field such as

business, education, health care or even sport. Some examples include Lord Winston, a medical professor and TV personality, Lord Coe, a former Olympic athlete and chair of 2012 London Olympics, Lord Sugar, a businessman and star of the Apprentice, and Lord Maxton, Mr Maxton’s father who is a former MP!!

Student Notes

Hi, I am your local MP for East Kilbride. I represent you in the House of Commons.

Add to Glossary of Terms

Government- group of politicians who run the country and propose most new laws

Parliament- the place where politicians meet to discuss, debate and pass laws

Representatives- people who are elected to put forward our views (MPs etc)


The House of Commons is made up of around 650 MPs who each represent an area or ‘constituency’. These MPs have to stand for re-election every 5 years.

Devolution

Since 1999 Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been given some control over decision making and law making. This is called devolved power as powers have been passed from the Houses of Parliament and the government of London to the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The Scottish Parliament has been given the greatest powers. It was re elected in 2011.

There has also been a London Assembly set up with a London Mayor. These were last elected in 2012 and Boris Johnston was re elected as Lord Mayor of London

Local Government

Scotland is further divided into 32 council areas which make decisions and run services such as education, libraries, planning, roads and social services. We live in South Lanarkshire and the council area is divided into ‘wards’ which each elect three or four councillors.

All of these types of government have an impact on our lives in different ways. They each have different areas of responsibility for making laws and taking decisions.

Student Notes

Video Clip

Prime Ministers Question Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf2BXvI3pe8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf2BXvI3pe8


Student Notes

Westminster

Government

Scottish Governme

nt

Local Council

Government

Show Your Understanding

1. There are three different representatives mentioned in the previous few pages. Name them and the places where they meet to discuss and make major decisions.

2. What does the Queen now do concerning government?3. Briefly explain what the job of a government is4. What are the Houses of Parliament made up of and what is their main job?

Activate Your Brain Cells

Opinion Corners

5. Do you think there are too many different types of representatives making decisions on our behalf? Give reasons for your answers

6. The notes suggest that the Queen has very few powers nowadays. Is there any point then in having a monarchy in Britain today? What is your opinion on the following:a) We no longer need a monarchy in Britain?b) Britain should elect a President, just like America doesc) The Queen brings in more money to Britain than her family cost to keep, so

she is worthwhile holding onto

Using ICT to learn

7. Find out what it is like to be an MP by visiting the Parliament.uk website and playing the game: MP for a Week

http://www.parliament.uk/education/online-resources/games/mp-for-a-week/

Be ready to discuss what you learned from this game in class.

http://www.parliament.uk/education/online-resources/games/mp-for-a-week/


4. The Future of the United Kingdom: More Devolution or Independence?

The present government in Scotland is led by Alex Salmond of the Scottish National Party. They have successfully got the go ahead to hold a referendum (a vote on a single issue) in the Autumn of 2014 and ask the people of Scotland whether they want all government powers to be in Scotland. In other words, do the people of Scotland want to become completely independent again from the rest of the United Kingdom as they were before 1707.

ARGUMENTS FOR: Britishness is dying. Scotland has its own parliament, its own laws and legal system.

National feeling and self-confidence are high. It is time to take the next step. Devolution is unsatisfactory. Full tax, the currency and economic control remain at

Westminster. Independence will allow Scotland to cut business taxes (like Ireland) to promote economic growth.

Other small countries like Norway and the Republic of Ireland are more successful and more dynamic. An independent Scotland will have the tools to match them.

Independence would give Scotland clout where it matters: a seat at the United Nations and in the European Union Council of Ministers. Scottish interests, eg. fisheries and agriculture, are poorly served in Brussels by UK ministers.

Relations between Scots and English are deteriorating. Independence would free Scotland from dependency and England from resentment. A friendly divorce is better than a bickering marriage.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST: The Union has served both countries well for 300 years. Devolution is a young

experiment, and it is too soon to judge it. There is a gap between public spending in Scotland (£40bn) and revenue (money from

taxes) raised there (£27bn). A Scottish government would have to choose between higher taxes and cuts in public services.

Scotland has more influence in Brussels as part of the UK than it could have as an independent state.

The integrated British economy is more capable than an independent Scotland would be of meeting the challenges of globalisation. Likewise, having independent defence and security structures would overstrain Scotland's resources.

Student Notes

Learning Intentions


Consider the developing debate over the future


Scots should recognise that devolution has put England at a disadvantage, and should press for reforms to the way Westminster works. Satisfying English grievances would put the marriage back on an even keel. Divorce is unnecessary and would be painful.

Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/politics/scots-independence/35617/pros-and-cons-scottish-independence#ixzz24IxgKyXk

Democracy in Scotland: Representation

Student Notes


Would you like to see an independent Scotland? Give reasons for your answer


Devolution- passing some powers from one government to another below it. Example, Westminster has given some powers to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh

Independence- when a country takes over complete control of its own affairs

http://www.theweek.co.uk/politics/scots-independence/35617/pros-and-cons-scottish-independence#ixzz24IxgKyXk

http://www.theweek.co.uk/politics/scots-independence/35617/pros-and-cons-scottish-independence#ixzz24IxgKyXk


5. The Scottish Parliament

Before we go on, what actually is a Parliament?

Put simply it is a collection of representatives or MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament), 129 in total, who are elected by us to make decisions about Scotland.

Most of the MSPs belong to various political parties such as SNP, Labour and the Conservatives, who have different views about what these decisions should be.

One or more of these parties form a ‘government’ to run Scottish affairs such as education and health.

The remaining MSPs have the job of:

representing our views in the Parliament, challenging and questioning the actions of the government, voting on decisions and new laws trying to deal with problems that the people they represent come up against.

We will explore all of this as we look at the Parliament more closely

The History of the Scottish Parliament

Before 1707, Scotland had its own Parliament. When the Act of Union was signed on May 1st

1707 the Kingdoms of Scotland and England were united and formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The existing English and Scottish Parliaments were dissolved (disappeared) and were replaced by a new Parliament for the whole of the UK. This was the final point in uniting Britain as a 100 years earlier in 1603 the two countries had ended up with the same King following the death of

Student Notes

Learning Intentions


Be aware of the Origins of Parliament (background) Understand what Devolved Powers are Understand the Functions and roles of the Scottish

Parliament


Elizabeth I of England. She had no heirs so the next in line had been the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, James VI of Scotland who also became James I of England.

Is Scotland different to the rest of the United Kingdom?

The Act of Union did bring together the governments of England and Scotland but it also protected a number of differences between the two countries:

The main church in Scotland remained the Church of Scotland (It is the Anglican Church of England down South)

The education system remained separate. University courses in Scotland last four years instead of three as in England and the school exam system is different here.

The legal system is still different. In Scottish courts you can be found ‘guilty’, ‘not guilty’ or ‘not proven’. Court juries are also a different size. If you train as a lawyer in Scotland you can only practise here and vice versa, unless you do an additional qualification to understand the differences in law.

The banks were allowed to continue printing their own money

As major sports emerged in the 19th century, Scotland formed national teams and leagues and competes separately from England in many sports such as football and rugby.

From the late 1800s, the British government, in recognition of these continued differences between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom created a separate government department to run Scottish Affairs and appointed a minister to oversee this. They were called the Secretary of State for Scotland.

The Demand for Change

From the middle of the twentieth century following the Second World War there was an increasing interest amongst many people in their Scottish identity.

In the previous 200 years most people had become more attuned to the idea of being British as the United Kingdom had grown into the most powerful country in the planet with a powerful economy, huge army and navy and an empire which we controlled covering about a third of the planet. Many Scots were involved in building this empire and then running it. Two world wars had also focussed people’s attention on defending Britain.

In the 1950s there was growing interest in Scottish heritage and what it meant to be Scottish. It was also a time when a growing nationalist movement was campaigning for an independent Scotland. In the 1920s, Ireland had won its independence from Britain

Student Notes


following a bitter civil war and around the world countries such as India and Pakistan and then many African countries had become independent of Britain. The Scottish Nationalists were also keen for us to do the same.

In the late 1960s oil was discovered in the North Sea and the Nationalists saw an opportunity to argue that Scotland could be one of the richest countries in the world, just like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with the benefit of the oil off Scotland’s coast.

In the 1970s, The Scottish National party had some important successes getting MPs elected to Westminster. Some politicians were so concerned about this movement that it was agreed to hold a vote over whether the Scots wanted to have some form of ‘devolved’ power.

The vote was held in 1979.

For complicated reasons, including concern that Scotland would vote for devolution, the Labour government insisted that more than 40% of registered voters would have to vote for devolution for the result to be valid if overall people were in favour. Although over 50% of Scots who voted agreed to devolved power, the turn out of 63.8% meant that less than 40% of the electorate had supported devolution. Later that year Labour lost a General Election and the Conservatives were elected, who were against devolution.

1979-1997

The Conservatives won the next four elections, but in Scotland their number of MPs declined. A number of their policies proved to be very unpopular in Scotland, for example, introducing a new tax called the ‘Poll Tax’ in Scotland as an experiment before introducing it in the rest of the United Kingdom.

A number of organisations and political parties, but not the SNP, ran a long campaign calling for Scotland to have its own parliament. By 1997, the Labour Party were committed to asking the people of Scotland if they wanted their own parliament.

In May 1997, Tony Blair led the Labour Party to a historic victory in the General Election. The Conservatives did very badly including losing all their MPs in Scotland. Within months Labour held a referendum asking Scots did they want a Parliament. 74.3% of those who voted said yes and more than half of voters also agreed that the new parliament could set its own income tax rates.

The first elections to the Scottish Parliament took place on May 6th 1999. The Parliament was officially opened by the Queen two months later on July 1st.

Student Notes


Student Notes


1. Write down two examples of differences between Scotland and England.2. Suggest two reasons why many people in Scotland wanted more control

over how they were governed.


The Powers of the Scottish Parliament

Devolution means giving powers away to another government within the United Kingdom. Not all powers to legislate have been given away- some are Reserved to the Westminster Parliament.

Devolved Powers to Scottish Parliament Reserved Powers to WestminsterHealth DefenceEducation Social SecurityTraining Foreign AffairsLocal Government TimeSocial Work CurrencyHousing ImmigrationPlanning GamblingTourism EnergyEconomic Development BroadcastingSome parts of Transport Weights and MeasuresJustice Economic Policy

ElectionsEqual OpportunitiesData Protection

Student Notes


Student Notes


1. What does the term ‘referendum’ mean? Add it to your glossary.2. Explain the difference between devolved and reserved powers. Add these to

your glossary.3. Look at the list of devolved and reserved matters below. Draw a table with one

column headed ‘Devolved Matters’ and the other headed ‘Reserved Matters’. Place each of the matters in the list below under the correct headings

Prescription charges for NHS treatment Powers of local councils Closing RAF bases The National Lottery Changing British Summer Time Planning permission to build a nuclear power station in Scotland Which companies can supply electricity Student Tuition Fees Changing the school exam system Setting dates for elections Deciding who gets Child Benefit

Develop a Skill

4. Look carefully at the source information below and then answer the question which follows:Source 1: 1979 Scottish Referendum Result

Yes No Voter Turnout

51.6% 48.4% 63.8%

Source 2: 1979 Scottish Referendum Selected Regional Results

Region Voted Yes Voted NoBorders 20,746 30,780Central 71,296 59, 415Grampian 94,944 101,485Strathclyde 596,519 508,599

‘Most people in Scotland voted and wanted a Scottish Parliament in 1979. All regions showed support for a Parliament’ –View of Archie King

Using Source 1 and Source 2, explain why Archie King is right and also wrong in his view about the 1979 Referendum.


Disputes between Westminster and Scottish Parliament

From time to time the Westminster and Holyrood governments can disagree about decisions that are being taken. The most obvious one at present is the intention of the SNP government to hold a referendum on whether Scotland should be independent or not and, although Westminster will not prevent this taking place, there has been a dispute over when the referendum should take place, how many questions should be asked and who can vote in it.

Sometimes Westminster wants to pass a piece of legislation for the whole of the United Kingdom which overlaps with the powers given to the Scottish Parliament. There is a ‘convention’ set up as part of the Scotland Act which can allow a law to be passed in London without having to also pass a separate law for Scotland. This was originally called a Sewel Motion, but is now referred to as a Legislative Consent Memorandum. Two recent examples of this were changes to the laws on terrorism and also advertising and street trading during the London Olympics.

More generally, the SNP government are opposed to nuclear power and have prevented Westminster from going ahead with any plans for new nuclear power stations in Scotland and forced them to consider only sites in England and Wales.

The Scotland Act, 2012.

In April 2012, further powers were devolved to the Scottish Parliament by Westminster. These included:

Extra powers to borrow money for building projects Ability to change road speed limits and drink driving limits Control of air guns Power to set taxes such as Stamp duty (paid when you buy or sell a house) New procedures for how Scottish criminal cases might be sent to the UK

Supreme Court in London, if necessary

Student Notes

Video Clip

Disputes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/who-has-power-westminster-versus-holyrood/4040.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/holyrood-scotlands-parliament/6638.html






It was the biggest transfer of control over how Scotland could control its budget (fiscal powers) in over 300 years. The SNP government, however, wanted far more powers devolved.

The Founding Principles of the New Scottish Parliament in 1999

Principles are ideas about how something should operate. When the Scottish Parliament was set up in 1999, there were four principles that the politicians wanted to ensure shaped how Scotland was run:

Sharing of Power:

It was hoped that the MSPs elected, the government that emerged and the Scottish people would all be involved in decision making for Scotland.

The way the Parliament is elected helps with this, as we shall see later, as it leads to fairer representation of people’s views. The Scottish government runs the country and makes many important decisions but needs the Parliament’s MSPs to support these.

Access and Participation:

It was hoped that the Parliament would be more open and responsive to people’s wishes when deciding on policies and laws. The Public Petition Committee was set up for this purpose as it allows individuals, community groups and organisations to take part in scrutinising (going over) proposed new laws.

People are also allowed to gather a Petitions (list of names of people who support an issue) and pass it to this Committee. These can become law. They can be submitted electronically.

For example, Bus Safety, 2009. Ron Beatty submitted an E-petition about safety on buses. His petition called for the Scottish government to make sure there was proper signage and lights on school buses that could be used when school children only were aboard. He also wanted it to be made illegal to overtake a school bus when it was stationary.

Accountability:

It was essential that the Scottish government would have to be accountable for its decisions to the Parliament and the Scottish People.

The way new laws are passed through the Parliament ensures that the Government needs approval of MSPs for its decisions. Regular Committees look carefully at government spending and decisions and can ask the government to justify its policies. Also the government needs to win votes from the MSPs to pass major decisions.

Student Notes


The people of Scotland get to vote every four years to decide who they want making such decisions and thousands of people, particularly school students get to visit the Holyrood parliamentary building each year to see the politicians in action.

Equal Opportunities:

It is intended that the Parliament will always encourage equal opportunities for all.

The Parliament is more family Friendly that its Westminster cousin. Holidays fit in with school holidays and the hours of the Parliament are ‘office hours’. There is also crèche facilities for MSPs with young children. As we will see later, there is quite a high percentage of women MSPs compared to the House of Commons.

There is also an Equal Opportunities Committee that monitors and debates these types of issues.

Student Notes


1. What is a Legislative Consent Memorandum? Why might it be used and give one example.

2. Give two recent examples of how the Scottish Parliament and Westminster have disagreed.

3. Give two examples of extra powers that were granted to the Scottish Parliament in 2012

4. Write down the four founding principles of the Scottish Parliament and for each one give an example of how these principles are met.

KEY KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS

a) Describe two devolved matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament. (4 marks) SQA, 2011, Intermediate 1 Exam

b) Explain, in detail, why some people want to increase the powers of the Scottish Parliament. (6 marks) SQA, 2011, Intermediate 2 Exam


Participation- taking part. In this unit we mean people voting, contacting their representatives, joining political parties and helping in campaigns

Access- the ability to contact people and get your views across. Ability to have a voice.

Accountability- being held responsible for actions


6. The Work of MSPs

We are represented by one constituency MSP and seven regional MSPs. The constituency for Calderglen is ‘East Kilbride and Strathaven’ and the region is ‘Central Scotland’.

To stand as a candidate to become an MSP you must be at least 18 years of age and have been nominated by some voters in that area.

MSPs are elected by the Scottish people to represent them and make decisions on matters devolved to the Scottish Parliament such as health and education. MSPs have a responsibility to represent all of their constituents, including those who did not vote for them. This is done in two ways:

The work they do in their constituency or region

The work they do in the Parliament

Student Notes

Video Clip

The work of MSPs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/the-work-of-an-msp/4043.html

Learning Intentions


Understand The role of MSPs Be able to explain Parliamentary work (How Parliamentary

business operates) Understand the Constituency work of MSPs Understand how you can Contact your MSP




Constituency and Regional Work

The Parliament does not meet on a Monday and Friday so this is when most constituency work is carried out, and over the weekend.

Friday evenings are often set aside for a ‘surgery’. This is often held in a church hall or other local community office so that constituents can come and discuss an issue or problem . Erection of a mobile phone mast near their home, or a proposed school closure are just some of the types of issues that can be raised.

The MSP can discuss with them the problem and see how they can help, or find out who can better help them. Increasingly, MSPs are using e-mail, websites, online surgeries and even Facebook and Twitter to keep constituents up to date with their constituency and parliamentary work and to make it easier to contact them. MSPs also attend local events and speak to various groups on issues locally.

Student Notes


1. Find out who the MSP for East Kilbride and Strathaven is2. Find out who the 7 Regional MSPs for Central Scotland are3. Which of them use a Website, Facebook or Twitter?4. Give one or two examples of the sorts of things they have been doing at

constituency level

Work as a Group

Choose one of the MSP’s that represent you in East Kilbride and prepare a short presentation including:

Some background information The various ways you can contact them When they hold their surgeries The sort of recent things they have done in the constituency or region Any committees they are on in the Parliament


What would make the perfect MSP?

Considering what we have found out so far, what sort of person would make the best MSP. You may do this as a group task and create a diagram to show what you decide.


Parliamentary Work

MSPs work in Parliament on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This time is split between committees, debating and considering proposals in the Main Parliament debating chamber, and voting.

Committees

A lot of this work involves sitting in committees considering proposed new laws (Bills), scrutinising the work of government departments and questioning a range of experts and ministers to ensure jobs are being done properly and that correct decisions are being made.

In 2012 there were 15 Parliamentary Committees as you can see from the list at the side of this page. Committees normally meet every fortnight and these take place on Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings.

Each Committee has a responsibility to look carefully (scrutinise) government proposals for new laws. These are called Bills while they are being considered in Parliament. There are a number of stages involved in making a Bill into a law and we will look at this in a later section.

Each committee is also expected to keep a close eye on how the government is performing and can question relevant government ministers or officials and call experts in to better inform them on issues relating to that particular committee. Committees can also be asked to look at an issue if a public petition is sent to the Parliament and they can also set up an inquiry into any important relevant issue.

The Education and Culture Committee, for example, held an inquiry in 2012 into how well children who were being looked after by Councils rather than families were doing at school.

Student Notes

Current Committees

Economy, Energy and Tourism

Education and Culture

Equal Opportunities

European and External Relations

Finance

Health and Sport

Infrastructure and Capital Investment

Justice

Local Government and Regeneration

Public Audit

Public Petitions

Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment

Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments

Subordinate Legislation

Welfare Reform


They also listened to evidence from experts and the Education Minister on the progress of Curriculum for Excellence. The Committee has also been involved in the process of passing a new law on the National Libraries of Scotland.

There are between 5 and 15 MSPs on each Committee and some MSPs will be on more than one of these Committees. Each political party tries to have a number of members of the committee that reflects their total numbers in the Parliament. (Larger parties have more members).

A Convener is chosen for each Committee and they chair all of its meetings. If a vote is taken and there is a tie, the Convenor has a casting vote.

Student Notes

The Justice Committee

In 2012 this committee had 9 MSPs as members:

5 SNP, 2 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Conservative MSP.

The convenor was the SNP’s Christine Grahame.


Using the notes above, answer the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of Parliamentary Committees?2. How many committees were there in the Scottish Parliament in 2012? Give three

examples.3. Choose two of these committees and find out the following:

a) How many members are on each committeeb) Who the convenor and deputy convenor isc) Two examples of issues, bills or inquiries they have been involved in

4. Why do you think there is no Defence Committee? (Think about what devolved powers mean)


Constituency- the area that an MSP represents

Constituents- the people an MSP represents in his or her constituency

Surgery- an organised weekly or monthly meeting where constituents can meet their MSP to discuss problems

Committees- groups of MSPs who check how the government is doing and also looks at new laws


Debates and Motions

Wednesday afternoons and all of Thursday are devoted to MSPs meeting in the Debating Chamber.

Most of the time is devoted to debates and motions. A Motion is used by MSPs to initiate a debate or propose a course of action by the Government.

Examples include:

The Scottish Green party put forward a motion following the Olympic cycling success of Bradley Wiggins for the government to improve cycling networks in Scotland to help improve the opportunities for people to get healthier.

Margaret Mitchell put forward two motions in 2012 congratulating Calderglen High School pupils for reaching the Under 18 Scottish Football Shield Final and winning a Crime Prevention Award. These types of motions are always linked to highlighting and encouraging the parliament to recognise and encourage aspects of Scottish life. In this case, inspiring others to participate in sport and to take part in helping local communities be a better place to live.

In terms of debates, the Parliament debated in June 2012 the Bill that will merge the Police and Fire services into single Scottish organisations. In recent years issues such as assisted suicide have also been debated as well as each year discussing how the government intends to spend its budget.

Decision Time

Around 5pm the MSPs vote on all the motions discussed that day and also any amendments proposed to Bills which are currently proceeding through the Parliament.

The leader of the Parliament (The Presiding Officer) reads out a series of questions linked to each motion or amendments and asks ‘are we agree?’. The MSPs call out their view, yes or no. If there is disagreement the Presiding Officer then calls for a ‘division’ and the MSPs then electronically cast their vote from keypads on their desks

Student Notes

Develop a Skill

Using the Scottish Parliament Website, find out about

at least three examples of what was discussed, debated and voted on during the last week

at least two committees and what they were looking at at least one question that was asked at First Ministers Question Time


Questions

On Thursdays, MSPs get the chance to ask a series of questions at lunchtime. This begins with General Question Time and then is followed by First Minister’s Question Time at 12 noon. The First Minister has 30 minutes to answer questions mostly from opposition party leaders. He knows what the first questions are in advance so he can prepare answers, but he does not know what the

supplementary questions will be and MSPs use these to try and catch out, embarrass and score political points over the government. First Ministers Question Time gets a lot of TV coverage.

A Typical Week in the life of an MSP

Student Notes

Video Clip

First Ministers Question Time

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/

Show Your Understanding (Key Task)

Describe, in detail the ways in which an MSP can represent the views of their constituents in the Scottish parliament.

Your answer should include reference to:

Committees Debates and Motions Decision Time Questions

You can use examples from the notes above, or explore the Scottish Parliament website and find out more about recent actions by your own MSPs.

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/3168.aspx


Day time eveningSun Time with family and attended local 10K fun

run raising money for local charities Preparing for

meetings and statements to be made later in week

Mon

Caught up with e-mails and letters received in constituency office

Wrote column for local newspaper Met local business group concerned over lack

of grants to improve local roads

Attended reception for visiting minister from Belgium and discussed trade links

Tues Visited local conservation project Attended Rural Affairs Committee to answer

questions Met with agricultural officials to prepare

ministerial statement on rural farming for Thursday

Cabinet meeting

Catching up with paperwork

Preparing statement for Thursday

Wed Visited Royal Highland Show as minister and spoke to several groups concerning agricultural issues

Attended Parliament debate on changes in education spending

Meeting officials on a UK Climate Change report

Took part in Edinburgh University Debate on Wind farms

Thur Office work dealing with constituency and ministerial paper work

Made ministerial statement and answered some questions before sitting in on First Minister’s Question Time

Attended motions and debates on Bill to increase powers of Scottish Parliament

Attended gala dinner for world game fishing championships taking place in the Trossachs

Frid Visited local S3 Modern Studies class to answer questions

Meeting with local councillors over plans to build new High School

Held surgery between 5pm and 7 pm

Time with familySat Family attended summer fete at children’s

primary school Family trip to cinema

Time to chill out Checked e-mails

In addition to these activities: Keeping up to date with newspapers and information given to me by my

Communications team and Constituency Office Replying to e-mails (60-70 a day) Updating facebook, Twitter and my website Blog Meeting party colleagues to discuss forthcoming business

Student Notes

Develop a Skill

Using the Typical Week in the life of an MSP, identify the following:

Two examples of the MSP dealing with constituents’ issues Two examples of the MSP doing government work Two examples of the MSP ensuring they have a good image in their


Student Notes

Develop a Skill

Using the Typical Week in the life of an MSP, identify the following:

Two examples of the MSP dealing with constituents’ issues Two examples of the MSP doing government work Two examples of the MSP ensuring they have a good image in their


Motions- this is the way an MSP starts a debate or puts forward a suggestion for how the government should deal with an issue

Debates- this is where MSPs discuss an issue or a proposed new law

Decision Time- an organised weekly or monthly meeting where constituents can meet their MSP to discuss problems

Amendments- suggested changes to a proposed law that is being debated in Parliament

Decision Time- the time after 5pm when the MSPs vote on motions and amendments discussed that day

First Ministers Question Time- the 30 minute period at Thursday lunchtime when the First Minister answers questions mostly from the Opposition leaders.


7. The Work of Scottish Government

The Scottish Government is responsible for devolved matters in Scotland, which include issues of day-to-day concern regarding health, education, justice, rural affairs and transport.

The Scottish Government is financed by Westminster through what is called The Barnett Formula which takes into consideration the size of the population, average incomes and levels of poverty amongst other things.

In 2012-13, the Scottish Government had a budget of £33.6 billion. MSPs vote on how the government will spend this money, with the government requiring at least 65 of the 129 MSPs to vote in favour of their proposals each year.

The First Minister and his Scottish Cabinet make up the Scottish Government. The First Minster leads and appoints the Cabinet. Cabinet Ministers are often referred to a Cabinet Secretaries.

Each Cabinet Secretary has responsibility for a department and has a number of junior ministers (who are also MSPs) and civil servants who support them in running the departments.

Every week, the ministers and First Ministers are required to answer a series of written and oral questions about the performance of their respective departments and government.

The Scottish Cabinet also has weekly meeting, normally in Bute House in Edinburgh, the official residence of the First Minister.

The Role of First Minister

Student Notes

Learning Intentions


Understand the Make up of Scottish Government Be able to explain how Decision making takes place in government Have an awareness of examples of Scottish Government in Action (Case

Studies) Understand how laws are passed in Scotland


Since May 2007, Alex Salmond of the Scottish National Party has been the First Minister of Scotland.

At the beginning of each Parliament after an election, the 129 MSPs vote for who they want to be First Minister. So far the leader of the largest party has been chosen for this important job.

The First Minister has a number of important roles:

They appoint the rest of the Scottish Cabinet, deciding who is in charge of what departments. Every so often the First Minister will carry out a ‘reshuffle’ which involves removing some Ministers altogether and bringing in new MSPs for their jobs and also moving some Ministers about to take over different departments.

They chair meetings of Cabinet when discussing issues and deciding on how to run the country or what new legislation to introduce. The First Minister has the final say on government policy.

Every Thursday, The First Minister has the task of answering questions at Question Time. As this half hour gets a lot of media coverage, it is an opportunity to promote and also defend what the government is doing when challenged by the other political parties. A lot of time is spent trying to win ‘points’ over the other leaders as to who is the most convincing in what they say.

They set out each year what the Government intend to legislate on and often lead that programme through the Parliament

As First Minister they also have job of representing Scotland in all devolved matters and will attend many different functions as the head of Government.

Recent examples of First Minister representing Scotland

Alex Salmond went to California for the premiere of the film ‘Brave’. As well as attending the launch of the film, he was also helping promote Scotland as a Tourist destination, hoping to encourage Americans to visit and help the economy grow.

Alex Salmond represented Scotland at a number of events during the London Olympics.

Student Notes


Government- the group of MSPs who run the country

First Minister- normally the leader of the largest party who leads the government

Cabinet- the MSPs who are in charge of the Government Departments. They meet regularly to decide on government policy

Ministers- the MSPs chosen by the First Minister to lead and run departments such as Education and Health

Bills- proposals for new laws


The First Minister has visited many different countries in recent years working with various companies to improve trade links and to encourage foreign businesses to set up in Scotland and create jobs.

The First Minister welcomes many foreign dignitaries to Scotland

The First Minister will regularly meet the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, particularly when they are in Scotland.

The Role of Cabinet Ministers

Each Cabinet Minister has responsibility for a department of Government. For example, in 2012, Nicola Sturgeon was in charge of Health and Sport, whilst Mike Russell was in charge of Education and Culture.

These ministers have the job of

Being the main spokesperson for the department running their department, ensuring that government policy in their area is working, dealing with any crises that emerge, answering questions raised on their department by MSPs individually and the

relevant committees and leading the introduction of new policies

or proposed legislation in their areas

If they are seen to be doing a poor job, The First Minister may sack them or move to a job which might be more suitable. Some Cabinet jobs are seen as more prestigious than others. The two just mentioned and the Justice minister and Finance Ministers are generally considered to be the best ones to have. Losing one of these posts and getting one the others not mentioned is often seen as a demotion and can harm your future political career if you have ambitions to lead your party or have one of the other top jobs in the future.

How are laws passed in the Scottish Parliament?

Student Notes

Case Study: A Health Crisis

During the summer of 2012, an outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease in an area of Edinburgh led to several deaths. The Health and Sport Minister, Nicola Sturgeon had to manage this crisis, ensuring that the hospitals dealt with patients, Edinburgh Council found the source and prevented the disease spreading further, and kept the public informed to prevent panic.

Case Study: Weather costs Minister his job.

In December 2010, during the severe winter weather which hit Scotland and left schools shut for days and thousands of motorists trapped in their cars in Lanarkshire, Stewart Stevenson resigned as Transport Minister saying ‘he could have done much more to keep member s of the public better informed’. This is a good example of where a series of events can lead to a government coming under intense pressure and needing someone to take the blame to appease public opinion. Stewart was seen by many as quite a good minister, but this one crisis cost him his job.


As well as making sure the Government is making a good job of running Scotland, the other major tasks facing the 129 MSPs is forming and passing new laws in devolved matters.

Unlike Westminster, there are many more ways in which a proposal for a new law can be introduced. This is linked to the key principle of sharing of power and means that it is far easier for ordinary MSPs to propose a new law, or even members of the public.

In London, there are very limited opportunities for MPs to propose a Bill. The government controls most of the channels for doing this. But in Scotland the Government, Committees, MSPs and members of the public have opportunities to put forward proposals.

There are four types of Bills:

Executive (Government) Members’ (MSPs) Committee Private (the public or businesses)

Whichever type of Bill is introduced, they all follow the same three stage procedure if they are going to become a law. At the end of each stage, the MSPs vote on the Bill and if they vote against it, the proposal is stopped and will have to be reintroduced at a later stage if so desired.

Where a Bill passes all three stages, there is a further four week period in which it can be challenged, but this is only likely where there is a question mark over whether it is actually an area of devolved power or not. At the end of the four weeks, the Presiding Officer sends the Bill to the Queen for her signature (Royal Assent) and it then becomes law.

Types of BillsExecutive Committee

Student Notes


1. Explain at least two powers and roles that the First Minister has2. IN what ways has Alex Salmond represented Scotland in recent years?3. Briefly outline what the job of a Cabinet Minister involves4. Give one example of the types of problems ministers have to deal with5. Outline how laws are passed in the Scottish Parliament. Use the diagram and

information on page 31 to help you.6. There are four different types of Bills that can be introduced. Name all four, then

choose two and explain who introduces than and give an example of each


These are introduced by the government and are the most common type of Bills.One example would be the Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) which removed the charges for crossing the Erskine, Forth Road and Tay Road Bridges.Another was the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) Bill in 2012 which, as the name suggests stopped shops selling cheap alcohol.

Parliamentary Committees can also initiate a Bill, but it is not very common. In 2006 An Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Bill was introduced which, when it was passed, made it clear what MSPs could and could not do, including not accepting payment of any kind for helping businesses etc.

Members’In each four year Parliamentary session, every MSP is entitled to introduce up to two Bills for consideration. About 1 in 10 of the Bills that become law are these types.In 2007, for example The Christmas Day and New Years Day (Trading) Scotland Bill became law which prevented large shops opening on these two days to protect workers from having to give up these two holidays. It was introduced by the MSP Karen Whitefield

PrivateIndividuals, companies or groups of people can bring forward proposals for these. They usually are linked to a development project and look for additional benefits or powers to existing laws or are designed to tackle a problem that existing law causes for the project. Other groups and individuals have an opportunity to object to the Bill and a special Committee of MSPs is set up to guide it through the legislative process.In 2006, for instance a law was passed to allow a rail link to be built to Edinburgh Airport. A similar one was agreed for Glasgow airport in 2007, but the SNP government, when it was elected, reversed this decision because of the cost.

How a Bill is passed

Student Notes

STAGE ONE Committee takes evidence and submits report. Parliament meets and debates general principles, debates it and then votes

STAGE TWO Committee considers Bill in greater detail and may suggest amendments. Parliament debates and considers any amendments and findings of Committee then voted

At each stage, if the Parliament does not agree on the Bill it fails and the process of passing it into law stops.


Other Examples of significant Bills passed by the Scottish Parliament

Glasgow Commonwealth Games Act 2008- this helps Glasgow Council prepare for the Games in 2014 and gives them powers over street trading and advertising, traffic management, ticket touting and the ability to purchase land to build the Athletes village.

Dog Fouling Act, 2003- this made it an offence to not clear up after your dog had done its business.

Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communication (Scotland) Act 2012- this controversial law was intended to stamp out sectarian singing at football amongst other things and stop people posting threatening material or comments on things such as Facebook etc.

Student Notes

Work as a Group

Choose a law passed by the Scottish Parliament since 2006 and investigate it. Make a small presentation to the class which should include:

Who introduced the Bill When did it become law What the law is intended to do Any evidence of reaction to it- positive or negative


8. The Work of Local Councils

The biggest employers in Scotland are local councils. About 250,000 people work within the 32 councils that cover the country.

Councils have a number of powers which they have been given by the Scottish Government, just like power is devolved from London to Holyrood.

Student Notes

Regulate- examples taxi and pub licences

Planning- building new schools, giving go ahead to new housing developments

Providing services- education, social work, police, fire and rescue etc

Role of Local Government

Learning Intentions


Understand How councils operate Be aware of their Areas of responsibility Be able to explain How local conflicts are resolved


What are Councils responsible for?

There are a large range of services which Councils take charge of. Some they must provide such as education and the police. These are known as mandatory services.

They also have the option (or discretion) to provide services such as swimming pools and residential care for the elderly.

Each council has to prove to the Scottish government that it is providing a quality service at a cost effective price. This is known as ‘best value’ in local government services.

Permanent officials are in charge of the various services in a council and their task is to manage their area of responsibility on a day to day basis and also provide advice to the elected councillors to help them make informed decisions.

Each service has a Council Committee, made up of locally elected councillors. They have the responsibility for making the key decisions about how services run and are managed.

Student Notes

Main Council Services

Mandatory

Education Police Fire and Rescue Social Work

Planning and Transport Environmental Services Housing

Discretionary (examples)

Leisure facilities Flood Control Adult Education

Arts and Tourism Licensing to marry in venues outwith Church


Local Councils- the local governments that run services in your area. For Example, South Lanarkshire

Services- the range of things that councils provide for us such as education, social work, policing etc

Mandatory- services that must be provided

Discretionary- things that councils can choose to provide but do not have to

Council Tax- money that householders have to pay to the council to help pay for services


Financing Local Councils

Most of the money available to councils comes in the form of grants from the Scottish Government. This accounts for about 80% of their budget. How much a council will receive depends heavily on how much the Scottish Government gets from London.

Additional money is sometimes given to Councils to support specific things. For example, over the last few years, additional funding has been given to help schools introduce Curriculum for Excellence.

About 13% of a councils’ income comes from the Council Tax. Each household pays this direct to their council. The amount is largely based on the value of the property in 1991 (when this tax was introduced). The bigger the house, the more you pay.

Students, the elderly, people living alone and disabled people pay less.

A house rated at Band D in East Kilbride would pay just under £1500 a year in council tax in 2012. This is typical of a three bedroomed semi detached house. The £1500 included about £400 for water and sewerage useage.

Other Finance

Businesses have to pay charges called non domestic rates and this money comes to councils. Also charges for using leisure facilities such as sports centres and swimming pools is a source of income as are fines, particularly for illegal parking and car parking charges.

Student Notes

Case Study on Council Finance: PPP new secondary schools

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) allow local councils to work with private companies and take on major building projects that they cannot afford to do as they do not have the funds. Many councils, including South Lanarkshire have arranged agreements with building consortiums to renew old and dilapidated schools. All the secondary schools in South Lanarkshire were either rebuilt or heavily upgraded in the last 10 years. In East Kilbride the six schools were merged into three new ones. These school buildings are not owned by the Council. They are leased for about 25 years and the council pays a set amount of money each years. The benefits to the council are that they are able to renew all the building very quickly and the maintenance of them falls to the builders. Critics argue that in the long run, the cost to taxpayers is far higher.


Student Notes


1. What are the three main roles of Local Councils?2. Explain the difference between a mandatory and a discretionary service. Give two

examples of each.3. The money that Councils spend comes from three main sources. What are the three and

how much does each contribute (in %)4. Create pie chart to show ‘Financing Councils’

Develop a Skill

Researching information on the internet is an important skill in Modern Studies.

Visit the South Lanarkshire Council Website and find out the following information in the Annual Report for 2011:

This link may help: http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5679/annual_report_and_accounts_2011

How many people work for the Council Under ‘Education Resources’ How much is spent on education (expenditure) How many new primary schools opened in South Lanarkshire in 2010/11 Under ‘Housing and Technical Resources’, how many new and affordable homes were

built Under ‘Social Work Resources’ how much was pent on home care for older people Extension research: Find out two further interesting facts from other departments in

South Lanarkshire Council

http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5679/annual_report_and_accounts_2011


9. The Work of Local Councillors

South Lanarkshire, like other councils, is split into a series of ‘wards’, each of which is represented by three or four councillors. There are 20 wards throughout South Lanarkshire and a total of 67 councillors representing just over 305,000 people.

The Council is made up of councillors from a range of political parties. Following elections in 2012 the table below shows you how many each party had and how the make-up of the Council had changed since the previous election in 2007:

Political Party 2007 Election 2012 Election ChangesScottish Labour 32 33 +1Scottish National Party (SNP) 24 28 +4Scottish Conservative and Unionist

3 7 -4

Scottish Liberal Democrats 1 2 -1Independent (not members of a party)

2 2 No change

East Kilbride has four wards and a total of 13 councillors.

Student Notes

Learning Intentions


Understand How councillors represent their wards Understand the jobs that councillors undertake Be aware of who runs the Council Have an understanding of selected Case studies of local councils in action

making key decisions


Following the May 3rd 2012 Council Elections, the following people were elected for this area:

Ward 7 - East Kilbride Central South

John Anderson - Scottish National Party (SNP)Gerry Convery - Scottish Labour PartySusan Kerr - Scottish Labour Party

Ward 8 - East Kilbride Central North

Anne Maggs - Scottish National Party (SNP)Alice Marie Mitchell - Scottish Labour PartyChris Thompson - Scottish Labour PartySheena Wardhaugh - Scottish National Party (SNP)

Ward 9 - East Kilbride West

Janice McGinlay - Scottish Labour PartyGraham Simpson - Scottish Conservative and UnionistDavid Watson - Scottish National Party (SNP)

Ward 10 - East Kilbride East

John Cairney - Scottish Labour PartyGladys Miller - Scottish National Party (SNP)Jim Wardhaugh (SNP)

Councillors are responsible for making the decisions concerning what happens in their council area. Just like MSPs, they hold regular surgeries in their ward for people to come and air any concerns or seek solutions to problems they have. They also have e-mail addresses and can be contacted by post.

Also, just like MSPs, the councillors sit on a series of committees that control the various departments within the council. South Lanarkshire has a large number of committees. In addition to regular ones such as Education, Social Work and Planning, for example, they also have four committees for the geographical areas of the Council including Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton.

Most councillors will on more than one committee. The committees make decisions concerning their area. Important decisions are taken by meetings of the whole Council and there is an Executive Committee that has an overview of what happens in the Council.

Student Notes

A South Lanarkshire Council Meeting


The Leader of the Council

This is the political head, elected by the other councils and is normally from the largest party. Their job is similar to that of the First Minister in leading the council. They lead the councils’ administration and directly accountable to the full council for the decisions they take and the services that are provided. Eddie MacAvoy is the present leader of South Lanarkshire Council.

The Provost is what is known as the ‘Civic’ head of the council. It is a bit like being the Speaker in the Scottish Parliament. They preside over council meetings and have a casting vote if there is a tie. They also carry out many ceremonial duties such as welcoming important guests, attending functions, and representing the Council in an unbiased way.

Where no party has more Councillors than all the others added together, coalitions are formed to create a ruling group of councillors. This sometimes can mean the largest party is not in control of the council.

In South Lanarkshire, the Scottish Labour Party currently run the council as a minority. If all 34 councillors from the other parties vote against a decision by Labour, then their decision would not go ahead. This means Labour have to ensure they get support from at least one other party or the two independent councillors to get policies through.

In Aberdeen City Council, Labour, Conservative and Independent councillors banded together to form a council administration and prevent the SNP from possibly controlling the council. We will say more about this when we look at elections in the next part of the unit.

Paying Councillors

It is only in recent years that local councillors have been given a proper salary for carrying out this representative job. Previously they would receive expenses only. Now each councillor gets a little over £15,000 a year, plus expenses, with those in senior positions and having to work full time earning between £36,000 and £52,000 a year. While many meetings previously would have taken place in the evenings, nowadays the council meets during the day. MSP’s, who are full time politician’s earn a lot more. MSP’s have an annual salary of £57,520. The First Minister has a salary of over £140,000.

Student Notes


Student Notes


1. How many councillors are there in South Lanarkshire, and how many of them represent East Kilbride

2. What are councillors responsible for and how are most decisions arrived at?3. How can you contact your local councillor?4. Councils have a Leader and a Provost. What is the job of each one?5. There are some similarities and differences between Local Councils and the Scottish

Parliament in how decisions are taken and how both Councillors and MSP’s represent us. Draw up a table like the one below and then use all your notes on both topics to try and complete:

Topic MSPs Councillorssimilarities differences similarities differences

Contacting themsurgeriesCommitteesMaking decisionsWhen they meetSalaries

Key Knowledge Question

a) Describe, in detail, two ways councils can raise money SQA, Int 2 2011 (4 marks)

b) Describe, in detail, two ways decisions taken about local services can affect people’s lives. (You might want to use the case studies that follow in this answer)


Wards- the area that councillors represent

Councillors- the people that represent us on the local council

Council Leader- the leader of the council

Provost- this job is more ceremonial and the person represents the council. They also preside over the council and have a casting vote.

Executive Committee- this acts a bit like the Government in Edinburgh and has an overview of how the council is run

Coalition- a government made up of more than one political party


Local Councils in Action

Case Study 1: the Edinburgh Trams Fiasco

In 2008, Edinburgh City Council embarked on an ambitious programme to build a tramway system linking Edinburgh to the City Centre and then Newhaven. The original cost was expected to be £375 million and it was hoped at future dates to extend the tram lines to other parts of the city and create a 21st century transport system for the capital.

It was supposed to be up and running by February 2011, but a series of contractual disputes, delays and rising costs saw that date falling further and further behind.

Many businesses had been unhappy over the level of disruption during the building process as roads were shut for long periods of time. Princes Street, the main Edinburgh shopping area, had been particularly badly hit. In August 2011 a report was published saying the final cost was going to be over £1 billion. Emergency meetings were called and the Council eventually decided to reduce the length of the tram way and finish it at St Andrews Square.

The Scottish Government promised a public enquiry into what had gone wrong. In May 2012, many of the councillors seen as responsible for making the decisions concerning the trams lost their seats in the Council elections, including Jenny Dawe, the Council leader and 12 of her Liberal democratic party councillors as the voters had their say.

Student Notes

tram disruption in Edinburgh

The proposed new trams


Case Study 2: South Lanarkshire Council

In August 2012, residents in a Hamilton street plagued with antisocial behaviour complained about South Lanarkshire Council “inaction” on the matter. It followed the death of a 36-year-old man in hospital in the early hours of Sunday, July 29, after he was taken from a house in Wylie Street. Police said this week investigations are continuing into the “unexplained” death.

Earlier in the year, fed-up residents in the area had contacted the Hamilton Advertiser to complain about disturbances. They pointed out that vandalism, shouting and the banging of doors in the early hours were regular occurrences.

This week Wylie Street residents called on the council “to stop housing undesirables” in the area.

One said: “I can’t complain about the police. They are up here all the time. However, I’ve called the council on numerous occasions to complain about the matter but they don’t pay any attention. All the housing department do is quote from legislation. The council are putting people in here and don’t care about the consequences. The council know what kind of background these people come from. A window in a block of flats which was broken in March is still waiting to be repaired. All the council have done since then is cut the grass.”

A spokeswoman for South Lanarkshire Council confirmed the authority had received a number of complaints concerning individuals involved with antisocial behaviour in the Wylie Street vicinity in recent months.

She added: “Our antisocial investigation team have carried out investigations into all cases and taken appropriate action and these cases remain subject to monitoring on an ongoing basis by the team. The team is working closely with our partners, including Strathclyde Police, to tackle these issues. Following previous investigations, the council has taken appropriate action and will not hesitate to take further action if there is evidence of antisocial behaviour. We are keen to provide residents with advice and support as we work to resolve antisocial behaviour where it is occurring. Any residents experiencing a problem should not hesitate to contact the Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Services. “There has been a delay with a broken window being repaired as a result of some difficulty in agreeing a suitable appointment with the tenant. This is now scheduled to be completed next week.”

Source : Hamilton Advertiser, August 9th 2012.

Student Notes


Case Study 3: Councils and the Scottish Parliament

Decisions taken by the Scottish Parliament often have a direct effect on councils. As a result relationships between the two are not always as good as they could be.

Since 2007, the SNP have been in government at Holyrood, yet most of Scotland’s councils are controlled by other parties, mostly Scottish Labour. However, even where councils are governed by the same political party as the Scottish Parliament, friction can still occur. Most of the disagreements are linked to financing policies.

Funding for specific areas such as new educational initiatives such as Curriculum for Excellence or for Free Personal Care for the Elderly continue to cause grief, but since 2007, the Councils have agreed to a freeze in any increase to the Council tax in return for additional funding through grants.

In return for these grants, councils are expected to ensure the make efficiency savings each year of around 2%. The money saved can be used for the council’s own priorities. Additional funding also relies on Councils’ meeting targets for government priorities, objectives and outcomes. How well they do is measured through a series of national indicators.

Case Study 4: Scottish Police and Fire Services

Student Notes


In 2012 the Scottish Government passed a new law which will lead to the existing police and fire and rescue services in Scotland being amalgamated into Scottish services.

Many local council’s are against this move as they believe that the new services may not be as accountable to local areas as they have been before.

Up until 2013 South Lanarkshire has contributed along with other local councils in the West of Scotland to the funding of Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue. Each council has representatives who oversee the work of each service. The Scottish Government hoped to save money by having one service covering all of Scotland with only one Chief Constable, for example, for the police, instead of the existing eight.

Police Forces (Up until April 2013)

Fire and Rescue Services (Up until April 2013)

Strathclyde StrathclydeLothian and Borders Lothian and BordersCentral CentralNorthern Highlands and IslandsDumfries and Galloway Dumfries and GallowayGrampian GrampianFife FifeTayside Tayside

Pat Watters, a former local councillor in East Kilbride was appointed the first Chair of the Scottish Fire and rescue Service in August 2012, with the new service beginning in April 2013. He will be paid £430 per day he attends meeting. It is a part time job.

Trade Unions feared over 3,000 jobs would be lost as a result, but the government argued that the public needed to see savings of around £1.7 billion in the next 15 years. There is pressure on all areas of government to make as many savings

on public spending as possible.

Student Notes


Student Notes


The four Case Studies above are there to give you an idea of the sorts of issues that arise at local council level.

Discuss in groups and then as a class the following questions:

Is it a good idea to amalgamate the Police and Fire Services in Scotland? Do you think Local Councils do a good job? If not what do you suggest should

change? Are local councils more important than The Scottish Parliament as the decisions

they take have a more direct effect on us?

Modern Studies: Democracy in Scotland and The United ... · Web viewModern Studies: Democracy in...

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Transcript of Modern Studies: Democracy in Scotland and The United ... · Web viewModern Studies: Democracy in...