Devolution

• devolution - transfer of policy-making powers, from centre to subordinate subnational institutions
• Extend/nature of devolution: England

  • local government had reorganisations with 2-tier system based on county and borough councils
  • Greater London Council gained reputation for high spending - abolished by Thatcher government (1986)
  • Blair government objective to recreate democratically elected strategic authority for capital

  e.g. elected mayor with executive powers

  • tried to extend regional decision-making by setting up Regional Development Agencies
• Scotland has a strong nationalist movement, leading to the Scottish parliament receiving more powers.
• MPs in Scotland are elected every 4 years using the Additional Member system, which scrutinises the work of the Scottish government.
• The Scottish government creates and implements policy on matters devolved to Scotland.
• The Scottish government has used devolved powers to develop a distinctive position on social policy, for example, students don't pay university tuition fees and there is free nursing care for the elderly.
• The Scottish independence referendum led to further powers being transferred in relation to taxation and welfare.
• Extent/nature of devolution: Wales

  National Assembly elected by Additional Member system

  • role to represent Welsh people, make laws on areas devolved to Wales + hold Welsh government accountable
  • only has 60 members - much smaller than Scotland
  • police and justice aren't devolved areas, Welsh Assembly hasn't gained powers over income tax + borrowing
• Extent/nature of devolution: Northern Ireland

  Faces different issues due to background of violent political division

  • between unionist + nationalist communities
  • creation of power-sharing form of government is critical in restoring peace
  • process of devolution = uneven

  e.g. Northern Ireland Assembly suspended by UK government due to breakdown of trust between unionist + republican groups

  • number of "reserved matters" domain of Westminster
• Institutions have different powers and distinctive features

  e.g. Scottish and Welsh Parliament = gained primary legislative powers through referendums

  • Northern Ireland Assembly gained BUT limited powers over tax
• Origins of Devolution

  Discontent with UK political system + revival of national cultures prompted growth - Scottish + Welsh nationalism

  • held referendums: Scotland - 52% supported devolution

  Westminster said it would not be created unless supported by 40% of the Scottish electorate
• Scotland Act (1998) - gave Scotland primary legislative powers over range of policy areas
• Ron Davis (Welsh secretary in Blair government) said "devolution is a process not an event"
• federalism - sovereignty divided into 2 tiers of government, power shared between national (federal) government and regional (state) government

  • regional government protected by constitution - cant be abolished/reformed against will
• Arguments FOR devolution

  • increases representation and public support
  • allows other bodies to gain more control
  • cultural differences are accepted and valued
  • stronger identity as a nation
• Arguments AGAINST devolution

  • federalism instead of devolution - federalism is entrenched however devolution isn't legally entrenched
  • long standing convention of centralised power - change not easily accustomed to
  • easier to make all decisions in one place - promoting unitary state, limits conflict and divisions