Local Government - GCSE History Definition

Local government refers to the system of public administration that manages the everyday services and tasks in towns, cities, and counties. It is made up of elected officials, such as councillors, and workers who handle responsibilities like waste collection, public transport, housing, and local planning. Local governments make decisions close to the communities they serve, allowing residents to have a say in issues that directly affect their area. They collect taxes, called council tax, to fund these services. Understanding local government helps students learn about how communities are organised and how they function as part of the larger national government system.