DEVOLUTION

What is devolution?

Statutory transfering of powers from Westminster to a subnational level

Describe devolution of UK nations

UK nations have plenty of powers devolved to their respective parliament and assemblies

The Scottish Parliament

Welsh assembly

N Irish assembly

What powers are devolved in Scotland?

Health

Education

Enviroment

Transport

Housing

Justice

What are reserved powers?

Powers that remain in Westminster

What are reserved powers for Scotland?

Foreign policy, defence, social security

What are reserved powers for Wales?

Justice

What are some of the problems with devolution?

The West Lothian issue

Nations are vessels of Westminster ( England’s Bitch)

Tension over Independence

decentralised power leads to different outcomes

What are combined authorities?

Two or more local authorities working together – like a ‘super council’

How do combined authorities work?

Councils combine across georaphical boundaries and agree a devolution deal w central govt

Sit above local council and work together in transport, economic development, planning, and controlling local police force

What is a metro mayor?

Combined authorities expected to adopt a directly elected mayor / metro mayor

Metro Mayors may sometimes take on the power of the police and crime commissioner

Examples of Combined Authorities

• Greater Manchester Combined Authority and ex-directly elected mayor Andy Burnham

• West Midlands

• Tees Valley

What is the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill’

‘devolution revolution’

Through this the Labour govt hope to scrap two tier authorities in favour of unitary system

Will increase mayors and their power to change local areas

to increase efficiency and reduce cost