Has it been successful - essay plan?

• Introduction - define

  D- Devolution is the transfer of power from westminster to local forms of governance.
• introduction - context?

  Devolution was included in Labour's 1997 Manifesto and introduced after successful referendums in Wales, Scotland and Wales, as well as in London.
• Introduction - answer?

  This essay will demonstrate that devolution has been successful by looking at how it has increased representation, policy divergence and peace in Northern Ireland.
• P1 weaker point?


  The weaker argument would argue that devolution creates inequality among UK citizens.
• P1 weaker why?

  As divergences in policy mean that different citizens have different access to healthcare, education and tax, therefore, subject to different laws. For instance, Fiscal (tax) devolution can undermine redistribution of resources from richer to poorer, preventing inequality to be tackled.
• P1 Strong point?

  However, the stronger argument recognises how devolution has allowed for more effective local representation. In which devolved bodies can respond to concerns of their more local electorate.
• P1 strong why?

  This can be seen particularly in Scotland, where the population is more left-wing and SNP have introduced free prescription charges, free tution fees and a higher top rate of tax. Given under the Scotland Act in 1998 and 2016.
• P1 Evaluation?

  Overall, devolution has been successful in terms of representation. Whilst, it is true devolution creates policy differences, this is ultimately a positive thing as it refelcts the different policy preferences of different parts of th UK.
• P2 weaker point?

  Devolution's success is limited because the elections have low turnout. In turn undermining the legitimacy of devolved assemblies.
• P2 weaker evidence?

  For instance, in 2021 turnout was only 63.5% for the Scottish Parliament and Sennedd elections even lower with 46.6%.
• P2 stronger point?

  The stronger argument, however, recognises that devolved bodies are elected usign proportional election systems, such as Additional Members System in Scotland and Wales. Which give the electorate greater voter choice, leading to a more mix parties, encouraging a pluralist democracy as learnt in C1.
• P2 Evaluation?


  Whilst, devolution elections arguably demonstrate a lack of popularity towards devolution due to it's low turnout, voter apathy is not isolated to devolved assemblies. Therefore, shouldn't be used to judge it's popularity.
• P3 weak point?

  Whilst, devolution may have led to a stable government in Scotland and Wales, this is not the case in N.I.
• P3 weak why?

  Government in Stormont is very fragile with frequet suspensions in which the parties refuse to work together. During these suspensions gov't functions are taken over by Westminster, during which significant decisions are made including the legislation over same-sex marriage.
• P3 Stronger?

  However, the stronger argument would argue that through devolution it has offered peace. Through the Good Friday Agreement devolution ended the Troubles. In which it continues to give more rights and protection to people in N.I. as when Westminster has to intervene it ensures rights of everyone in N.I. are given, including the LGBTQIA+, which may have been overlooked or pushed asided due to the conflict between the parties.
• P3 stronger continued?

  Additionally, improved governance of Scotland and Wales should not be overlooked. The govt have been stable and popular such as Nicola Sturgeon (prior to April 2023) and Mark Drakeford.
• P3 Evaluation?

  Overall, devolution has been successful in creating strong governance. Whilst, N.I. governance is more unstable than Scot and Wales, it would be more so without Devolution.