Devolution

Fiscal devolution

Centre for Cities argue that granting local leaders' greater control over tax revenues provides long-term financial certainty and directly links local economic success to public finances

Fiscal devolution example

The Council Tax Precept: Under Sadiq Khan, the GLA has increasingly leveraged its "Mayoral Precept"—a dedicated surcharge added to the standard borough council tax bills of London residents. But Mayor of London now FPTP Elections Act 2022

Devolution acts-Scotland act 1998

Powers: Local gov, Health services, transport and others not explicitly westminster reserved

No power: Foreign affairs, constitution and Supreme court ruled Scots can’t declare independence ref by themselves

Devolution acts-Northern Ireland 1998 The Belfast/Good friday agreement Stormont

Powers: Health, education, housing and transport

No Powers: Border control, foreign affairs and constitution. Stormont also frequently suspended due to disagreements.

Devolution acts- The gov of wales act 1998

Powers: Promote welsh, Economic development and transport

No powers: Welsh assembly can’t pass primary legislation, welfare, policing and foreign affairs

Scotland case studies

Power: Later abolishing upfront tuition fees for eligible Scottish-domiciled students attending Scottish universities. No power: Scot ref 2014 and The Supreme Court Independence Ruling (2022) so no independence ref without Westminster

Wales case studies

Power: The Senedd passed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act. This legally requires public bodies in Wales to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on climate, poverty, and the Welsh language and changed organ donation system

-Winter Fuel Payments & Welfare: During winter energy crises, Senedd could not independently alter/reinstate universal Winter Fuel Allowances for Welsh pensioners

Northern ireland case studies

Power: completely abolished prescription charges in the early, and same-sex marriage became legal on 13 January 2020

No power: Stormont often suspended as have to be equal and Windsor framework was lef by Sunak