The role of local government and councils, the meaning of devolution, the powers of the devolved nations, and how power is shared across different levels of government.

What this dot point is asking

AQA wants you to explain what local government does, what devolution means, the powers of the devolved nations, and how power is shared across the different levels of government in the UK. This Politics and participation topic (Paper 1 Section B) is tested through "Explain" questions defining devolution and listing council services, and through extended questions on how and why power is shared. The examiner is looking for a clear grasp of the three levels (UK Parliament, devolved governments, local councils), what each is responsible for, and the difference between devolved and reserved powers.

Levels of government

The UK Parliament remains sovereign, meaning it holds ultimate legal authority and could in principle change or reclaim the powers it has devolved. Below it, devolved governments handle a defined set of national matters within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and local councils handle day-to-day services in towns, cities and counties across the UK. The purpose of spreading power across levels is to match decisions to the people most affected: national defence is decided centrally, while bin collection is decided locally.

Local government

Councils are responsible for services such as schools, housing, refuse collection and recycling, local roads, planning and licensing, libraries, parks and social care for children and vulnerable adults. They are run by councillors elected by local people, usually for four-year terms, and headed in practice by a council leader or, in some areas, an elected mayor. Councils raise money through council tax paid by local residents, through some fees and charges, and through grants from central government. Because councils are elected, residents can influence them by voting, attending meetings, contacting their councillor or campaigning, which makes local government a key route for everyday participation.

Devolution

The Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Senedd and the Northern Ireland Assembly can make laws on devolved matters such as health, education, the environment and (to varying degrees) transport and some taxes, while reserved matters such as defence, foreign affairs and immigration stay with the UK Parliament. The extent of devolved power differs between the three nations. England has no separate devolved parliament; laws for England are made by the UK Parliament, though some English regions have elected mayors with limited powers. AQA expects you to know the distinction between devolved and reserved matters and that devolution is not the same as independence.

Why power is shared

Sharing power means decisions can be made by people who understand local needs, which can make services more responsive and accountable. It also lets the nations of the UK make different choices that suit their circumstances (for example on health or education policy), while keeping the country united for matters that affect everyone, such as defence and the economy. Critics point out that this can create differences between nations and complexity about who is responsible, but supporters argue it brings government closer to citizens.