Devolved matters

• Devolved powers

  Decisions made much closer to the people who would be affected by these decisions
• When the Scottish parliament was first set up, it was important to decide what decisions it could make and what laws it could pass
• Commentators at the time spoke about the Scottish Parliament coming up with "Scottish Solutions to Scottish problems"
• Things the Scottish parliament has done in terms of health

  • Introduce baby boxes in 2017
  • Give every child an equal start in life
• The baby boxes included clothes, blankets, and were suitable for babies to sleep in
• Expectant mothers can register to receive one of these baby boxes at a midwife appointment
• Health and social services under the Scottish parliament

  • NHS
  • Mental health
  • Abortion
  • Social care
• The NHS has a government budget of 15 billion
• Devolved matter: Education


  Making sure the education system is running smoothly with good quality school buildings, enough teachers, and appropriate assessment formats
• In Scotland, students do not pay tuition fees for university
• The SQA will be replaced with a Specialist agency for curriculum and assessment design by Summer 2024
• Devolved matter: Criminal justice

  The Scottish Parliament is responsible for all issues relating to crime and the law in Scotland, including police services, the criminal courts, and prison services
• In 2019, the Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act was unanimously passed by the Scottish Parliament
• In Scotland, there are 65 MSP's (Members of the Scottish Parliament) who represent constituencies across Scotland