Learn all about the structure and powers of local government in Scotland.
Local Government touches all our lives, literally from the cradle to the grave – from the registration of our births to the registration of our deaths and in many cases to the disposal of our bodies. In between these local government provides us with a vast range of services, schools, housing, street cleansing, home helps etc. – many of which we take for granted unless something goes wrong.
Many lawyers and paralegals are employed by the 32 councils in Scotland in a huge range of areas, including elections which could not be administered without them. The private sector, too, requires legally qualified staff to deal with local government issues brought to them by their clients, such as planning applications, education appeals and contractual matters.
This qualification deals with the structure of local government in Scotland and its powers, the election and roles of councillors, the decision-making processes, the involvement of the public, where the money comes from and how expenditure is monitored, Modules also deal with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, the Standards Commission for Scotland and the role of the courts.
What you'll learn:
- What is Local Government?
- The Development of Local Government in Scotland
- The Reorganisation of Local Government 1995-96
- Elections and Councillors
- How Councils Work
- Local Government: General Powers and Duties
- Where the Money Comes From
- Audit and Accountability
- Local Government: Involving the Public
- The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
- The Councillors’ Code of Conduct and the Standards Commission for Scotland
- The Role of the Courts
Find out more
For an informal discussion on how we may help you, contact the Paralegal team on +44 (0)141 225 6700 or email paralegal@clt.scot.
What our clients say
"I found the programme benefitted me in my career. After completing the specialist paralegal qualification, I have recently changed employers and I believe that having the specialist paralegal qualification helped me in obtaining my current position."
Mary Smith, Paralegal, Sparke & Kingsley Solicitors
"I enjoyed learning Civil Litigation in more detail after previous experience in Debt Recovery. The course fitted nicely around my work and personal life and the assignments really made me think about how to put into practice what I learned throughout my studies."
Samantha Marsden, Paralegal, TWM Solicitors LLP
"I enjoyed the continuous support of the tutors and the flexibility of the course and now practice the skills learned through the course in my every day duties within the workplace."
Michelle Clendennen, Executive Legal Assistant, Motability Operations
"I enjoyed the Paralegal training programme from CLT from start to finish. At the start, I was a little nervous taking on the commitment of a home course, but when I settled down, I really enjoyed it. I was especially proud of the graduation at Bristol Cathedral."
Nicky Secrett, Paralegal, AWB Partnership LLP