Devolution

Definition of devolution

The process of delegating power, but not sovereignty, from the UK Parliament to specific regions of the country

When was devolution introduced?

1997

Why did Labour introduce devolution after 1997?

“New Labour” - they wanted a big change after the Tories were in power for 20 years. They also wanted to “pacify” the regions that wanted independence by delegating them some power. Thoughts it would encourage votes for Labour in Scotland, as they will feel heard.

Why didn’t the Conservatives like devolution?

Goes against the unity of the UK as one, they believe that this goes against Parliamentary sovereignty.

Why did the different regions want their own forms of government and what consequences of this might be?

Because they have different identities - these regions have different ideologies of how the country should be run. They would be able to pass laws that would benefit their country.

Definition of Asymmetric devolution

A type of devolution where the various regions have been granted unequal amounts of power.

When was the first Scotland Act?

1998

What was the Scottish Act (1998)

Established a Scottish Parliament with devolved powers. They can make laws and have powers in areas they could not have their own say on before. A new electoral system was set up and the government was formed from the largest party.

Negatives of the Scottish Act (1998)

They did not get full tax - raising controls. They could only vary income tax rates up or down by 3%

When was the second/amended Scotland Act?

2016

What was the second/amended Scottish Act?

The Scottish Parliament could pass laws on more areas - more control over taxes, including income tax. Now had the power over welfare services and could regulate its energy industry

Why was the second/amended Scottish Act introduced?

Needed to give them more power after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 was a close call. The main parties promised further devolution as a way of keeping Scotland in the UK

Evaluation of the second Scottish Act?

It made Scotland feel like a separate country even if it was not full independence. Gave the Scottish Parliament more power and autonomy

However - what effect did Brexit have after 2016 on attitudes from the Scottish people?

They felt undermined by the vote, as 62% of the population voted to remain in the EU. This led to more support for the SNP - independence party

What was the Government of Wales Act (1998)

Established an elected Welsh Assembly and Executive was set up.

How and why did Wales get less devolved powers than Scotland in the Government of Wales Act (1998)

There wasn’t a great demand for independence, thus, the government didn’t need to give them an extensive amount of powers, that they could use to undermine them. The Act didn’t give Wales any financial control, so were completely reliant on funding from the UK government.

When was the second/ amended Government of Wales Act

2017

What was the second/amended Government of Wales Act (2017)?

Gained control over various taxes including stamp duty (buying houses). They gained limited powers to borrow money to invest in projects.

Why was the second/amended Government of Wales Act introduced?

After the Lib Dems supported the decentralisation of power in the coalition, there was more demand for devolution in Wales. They were also frustrated in the asymmetric devolution with Scotland, this is cemented by their referendum in 2011.

Evaluation of the second/amended Government of Wales Act

Satisfied many demands. However, the issue of asymmetric devolution continued as it was illustrated that Welsh powers would likely increase in relation to Scotland

When was the Belfast agreement?

1998

What was the Belfast agreement?

Set up the Northern Ireland Assembly which represented all sections of the community. They gained powers over education,healthcare,transport, policing and others

Why was the Belfast Agreement introduced?

The “troubles” broke down the Northern Irish Parliament so as part of the peace process, self - government was to be restored

Evaluation of the impact of the Belfast Agreement?

It was fundamental to the peace agreement. It was a power sharing executive in which both sides worked together. However, the communities have found it hard to collaborate and the assembly has been dissolved on more than one occasion this century

What is the West Lothian question?

Whether MPs in the HOC from the other regions should be allowed to vote on English only issues because this isn’t the case the other way around.

Who is our Mayor of London?

Sadiq Khan

What can the mayor do?

Controls the allocation of funds for different uses in London. They have patronage powers, who can control a variety of appointments. They can improve community policing, public transport, and the arts scene in London.

What can’t the mayor do?

Can’t over - rule the London Assembly as they can veto his budget proposals with 2/3 majority. He can’t have the final say on appointments. The mayor’s party cannot dominate, the Assembly uses a voting system to prevent this. Dependent on funding from central government.

An example of a proposal made by the mayor?

ULEZ (2023)

What is ULEZ?

Stands for Ultra low emission zones. This was extended to the whole of Greater London in 2023. Drivers will be charged £12.50 a day for entering the zone in a vehicle that does not meet emission standards.

How much do drivers get charged in ULEZ?

£12.50 a day

Arguments in Favour of ULEZ

It helps our environment by reducing air pollution and thus, improving health. It eases congestion and gives extra money to the Government

Arguments against ULEZ?

Bad for the less economically advantaged as some people can’t afford to replace their cars. Bad for businesses that need customers.

Evaluation of ULEZ

Good - environmental reasons

How many metro mayors have been elected?

10

How much collectively do the mayors control in public spending?

£25 billion

Positives for mayors

They enhance our democracy as the policies are catered to meet the needs of that local population and the people are more likely to feel heard.

Negatives of mayors

56% of the population don’t have a mayor. Could be seen as unfair

How many seats did SNP get in the 2019 election and what does this show?

48 seats, showing that devolution was a stepping stone for independence as they have more of a sense of their own beliefs and identity

2019 compared to 2024: The decline of the SNP

They lost loads of seats, they only have 9 now, showing that the demand for independence has decreased. The revival of Labour helped the SNP lose seats

How many seats did Plaid Cymru get?

4 seats

What do Sinn Fein want?

Would like to work towards a united Ireland.

How do the policy differences in the region undermine the unity of the UK?

Creates competition as they begin to look and feel more independent. Furthermore, it exacerbates the problems in England and some people may put pressure on the Gov to match the changes in the devolved countries.

An example of policies that have been introduced in one part of the UK then implemented elsewhere

Smoking ban in public places was introduced in Scotland in 2006, and then elsewhere in the following year

How did the differing ways that the devolved bodies worked during COVID potentially undermine the unity of the UK?

Nicola Sturgeon was loved by the Scottish population as she dealt with Covid effectively (only eat outside at pubs and more priority on friends and family) , she was liked by 60% of the population. Whereas, Johnson’s policies were liked by -39% of the population (some areas given more than others)

How was devolution during COVID seen as effective?

Meant that the leaders could cater the policies for their populations. They could act on a more “local” scale

How much more do Scotland pay on the NHS than England?

20 - 25% more

Example of the lack of support for the Mayor

Turnout for London Mayoral election was 40.5%.

What is EVEL?

If legislation is about English matters, it can be arranged that only English MPs vote for this. However, it has been critiqued as many matters that appear to relate only to England actually have a knock on effect to Scotland, especially the funding determined through the Barret formula.