Devolution pt.1

What is devolution?

Devolution means the transferring of powers from central government in London (Westminster and Whitehall) to the nations of the United Kingdom – through a Scottish parliament in Edinburgh, Welsh parliament in Cardiff and power-sharing assembly in Stormont.

Describe the Scottish Parliament and executive

• based in Holyrood

• is a unicameral legislature (only one house) with 129 members serving for a 5 year period

• majority of its work is carried out by 18 committees so ordinary members can better hold ministers to account

• meetings take place in public throughout Scotland to allow citizens better access to the democratic process

• parliament headed by the First Minister who appoints the other cabinet secretaries and ministers (total of 18)

• The Scottish parliament used to control only domestic issues relevant to Scotland, but two acts gave the Scottish Parliament greater autonomy 

  • The Scotland Act 2012

  • The Scotland Act 2016

• A new Scottish income tax was agreed from 2016, where 10% of the national income tax now goes directly from HMRC to the Scottish government.

• Under the controversial Barnett Formula, annual spending per person in Scotland is generally significantly higher than in England or Wales.

What was the effect of The Scotland Act 2016?

• Gave the ability to set income tax levels where 10% of the national income tax now goes directly from HMRC to the Scottish government

• Control over other taxes previously set by UK Parliament e.g. air passenger duty

• The right to receive half of all VAT receipts generated in Scotland

Describe the National Assembly of Wales

• based in Cardiff

• 60 members: 40 represent constituencies, 20 are evenly split over five larger regions

• Senedd members (MSs) are elected every five years

Describe the Welsh government

• headed by the First Minister who appoints the other cabinet members and deputy ministers (14 in total)

• administers and determines the policies for those areas that have been devolved to Wales

• mostly funded by a block grant from the UK government

Outline the devolved powers of the Welsh government 

The Welsh Government is responsible for administering services in:

• health

• education/training

• local government

• law and order

• economic development

• roads

• environment

• agriculture

• arts/culture.