The Difference Between: Central And Local Government

From the research Evolution NOW have gathered so far, University students are primarily concerned with rising fees. At the recent Q&A session at Hackney Town Hall, Ismael, passionate about such issues, stood up and asked a question regarding fees reaching £7000 by 2012.

Although the question wasn’t answered directly by the panel, an audience member raised an interesting view on the subject. The person suggested that the rises should not be seen as a disadvantage or a hindrance – but as an incentive, further encouragement to get into higher education and succeed.

This is one view on the situation but we feel that as a whole, most families within the borough of Hackney will not be as optimistic as this individual. From a money standpoint, most families will see this as further “Financial Fencing” and widening of the gap between the rich and the poor.

Upon further research, we have discovered that the question was correct, but the people we were asking it to, were not. This question should have been directed at central government, not local government.

But what is local government and what is central government?

At face value, imagine your household when you were a child – your parents or guardians looked after you, your interests and your needs. Everything that you use, is in good condition and shareable. This is local government.

Now, as the parent guardian, depending on your income – you will have to pay taxes and occasionally ask for allowances of money to help with the running of certain things: like additional help with the rent, council taxes and repayable loan to help you through higher education. This is central government.

Central government works with an idea. An idea then develops into a policy – for example, stop and search laws. This is then taken into the House of Commons, where your local MP’s talk about it within their parties and decide if it is a good idea or a bad idea.

If they agree, then the policy is then taken to the House of Lords. They generally don’t squabble about any policies really, and decide to pass the policy as a law.

House of Commons are made up of people elected locally, for each party. These are considered the “main government”.

House of Lords are made up of people that inherit their position. For example, if once upon a time, your great grandparents bought a massive piece of land, they were considered the “lords” of that land. When they passed away, the title was passed down to offspring and so the chain continues.

So with this information, who do you campaign to about the university fees rising?

By Lem Leon

Project Manager