1.3 the role and powers of devolved bodies in the UK Flashcards
What two new institutions were established in London from 2000?
- an elected mayor with executive powers
- supported by the Greater London Assembly
Who was the first mayor of london?
Ken Livingstone
What did Ken Livingstone introduce to central london and why?
congestion charge for drivers entering central london in response to increased traffic and air pollution
How many urban areas adopted the elected mayor model by 2015 after London?
16
What was the purpose of regional development agencies?
to promote economic development on behalf of central government
What did the coalition do after abolishing Labours regional development agencies?
combined local authorities in so-called ‘city regions’, each being led by a directly elected ‘metro mayor’
How many city regions are there?
8
What are the main powers of metro mayors?
developing an economic growth strategy
making policy on housing, skills and transport
What are the ‘reserved powers’?
defence
foreign policy
constitutional matters
welfare benefits
important areas of economic policy including trade, the currency and interest rates
Why did Scotland receive more powers?
it has a strong nationalist movement and it has a history of existence as a separate state (different legal and education systems)
Why did Wales get less powers?
Nationalism is politically weaker, and more concerned with protecting cultural identity than winning independence
When was the Scottish parliament and government set up?
1999
How many MSPs are there in the Scottish Parliament?
129
Who is the current first minister in Scotland?
Humza Yousaf
What are the main devolved powers exercised by the Scottish parliament?
- education
- police and fire services
- health and social services
- agriculture, fisheries and forestry
By how much was the Scottish government allowed to vary income tax?
by 3p above or below the UK rate
What are some of the social policies that exist in Scotland?
- Scottish students do not pay university tuition fees
- free nursing care for the elderly
What did powers did the Calman Commission give Scotland?
- taxation powers
- borrowing powers
- regulation of air weapons
- drink driving alcohol limits
How much control over taxation does the Scotland parliament have compared to when it was established?
36% of devolved expenditure compared with less than 10%
When was the National Assembly for Wales established?
1999
How many members does the Welsh Parliament have?
60 members
Who is the Welsh first minister?
Vaughan Gething
What are the main devolved powers of the Welsh parliament?
- education and training
- the environment
- housing
- transport
- health
- agriculture, fisheries and forestry
What doesn’t the Welsh parliament have power over compared to where Scotland does?
police and justice
income tax and borrowing
When was devolution in Northern Ireland established?
after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement
Why is the process of devolution more uneven in NI than in Scotland and Wales?
political divisions between the unionists and the nationalists
How many members are there in the Northern Ireland Assembly?
90 members
Who is the first minister in Northern Ireland?
Michelle O’Neill (Sinn Féin)
Who is the deputy first minister in Northern Ireland
Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP)
What are the main transferred matters in the Northern Ireland Assembly?
- education
- transport
- justice and policing
- housing
- agriculture
What are reserved matters in the Northern Ireland Assembly?
matters normally at the domain of Westminster but on which the Assembly can legislate with the consent of the Northern Ireland secretary (member of the UK Cabinet)
What is included in the reserved matters in NI?
- financial services
- broadcasting
- consumer safety
- firearms
