8.b Constitutional Reform from 2010 Onwards

Question 1

Fixed term parliaments

Answer 1

The 2011 Fixed Term Parliaments Act set five year periods between general elections.

The Act took away the power of the prime minister to call a general election whenever they wished.

An election can only occur earlier if a two-thirds majority of MPs in the House of Commons pass a motion for an early election or if a vote of no confidence in the government is passed.

In 2017 Theresa May was able to call a general election because two-thirds of MPs voted in favour of an election.

Question 2

Further devolution to Wales

Answer 2

Lawmaking powers were extended to the Welsh Assembly as a result of the Government of Wales Act 2014.

The Government of Wales Act 2014 gave the Welsh government control over some taxes, such as business taxes, and included the provision for a referendum in Wales to decide whether its national government could have some control over income tax.

In 2015 the Welsh government was granted control of income tax up to £3 billion per year without requiring a referendum.

Question 3

Elected mayors and commissioners

Answer 3

The 2010-2015 coalition government introduced elected mayors in many cities across England.

The new position of police commissioners was introduced with commissioners having responsibility for policing quality across England and Wales.

Police commissioners have been elected using a supplementary vote system.

Question 4

Further devolution to Scotland

Answer 4

In 2016 there was a further devolution of powers to Scotland which included powers over some taxes, welfare and the to vary the levels of income tax.

This devolution of financial powers to Scotland was called ‘devo-max’.

More powers were granted to Scotland in response to the increased nationalist feeling across Scotland after the 2014 independence referendum.

Question 5

Recall of MPs

Answer 5

The 2015 Recall of MPs Act gave constituencies the power to recall any MP who had acted inappropriately or misbehaved.

Recalling results in the MP vacating their seat, and forcing a by-election

For an MP to be recalled, over 10% of constituents need to support a petition in favour of it.

Question 6

Devolution outside London

Answer 6

From 2015 the Conservative government gave more powers to larger cities.

The government granted cities with financial independence by enabling them to keep revenue from business rates so they could fund local projects and policies.

In 2016 Manchester was given the power to control its own budget for social care and for healthcare which had previously been controlled by central authorities.