| system of local government | система местного самоуправления (The system of local government is slightly different in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England is divided into counties each with a county council which is responsible for certain services. Each county is divided again into districts, each with a district council responsible for a smaller area. Districts are further divided into parishes which were originally villages with churches. In some parts of England, there are instead unitary authorities which have just one level of local government responsible for an area or city, sometimes called a metropolitan district. Local authorities (= councils and committees) have responsibilities for education, social services, housing, transport, the fire and police services and other local services. Many people are employed by councils, but many services are also now carried out by private companies who are given contracts by the council. Councils receive some money from central government in the form of grants, they also collect council tax from each household, a locally set tax based on the value of the house. OALD Alexander Demidov) |
