Constitution - Devolved bodies in the UK

Question 1

Scottish Parliament

Answer 1

• Can act on: Education, Justice, Local government, Police, Healthcare
• Scotland act 1998 gave primary powers and income tax varying powers +/- 3P per Pound, later increased to 10P with 2012 Scotland Act
• Furthered with Scotland act 2016, Energy, welfare and receive 50% VAT proceeds

Question 2

Welsh Parliament

Answer 2

• Can act on Education, Local government, Healthcare, transport
• Welsh devolution referendum 2011 voted to give direct lawmaking power to 20 areas like edu
• Wales act 2014 gave minor tax powers, followed by Wales act 2017 that increased tax to 10P +/-

Question 3

Northern Ireland Assembly

Answer 3

• Can act on Education, Welfare, Policing, Justice
• Created via NI Act 1998, assembly made
• Devolution renewed by St Andrews Agreement 2007
• 2010 Devolution of policing and criminal justice
• Corporation tax act 2015 - Has made many corps move to them.

Question 4

England devolution - elected mayors

Answer 4

• Established by 2000 Blair government
• See very low turnout
• Localised decision making

Question 5

Devolution Successful

Answer 5

• Has not led to a break-up of the UK
• Devolved assemblies are popular in the regions, and no main parties against them
• Welsh interest in devolution has increased with their want for more power
• Secured peace in NI for 20 years
• Elected mayors increase regional identity
• Sewell Convention - Westminster will not legislate on devolved matters

Question 6

Devolution unsuccessful

Answer 6

• England has been short changed - 9300Pp, Sco 1120Pp
• Different policies for different areas
• Left west lothian question unresolved (EVEL)
• Low turnout in some dev assemblies
• Sco indep want increased following powers
• Westminster remains soverign, can remove dev powers
• Sco, Ire voted to remain, forced to leave
• Reserved matters - Defense, Constitutional matters and foreign policy