Devolution

Question 1

E+A 3 benefits of devolution

Answer 1

1. strengthen the unity of the UK and reduce the demands for full independence
   result of the vote on Scottish independence and whether the existence of devolution made Scottish voters more or less inclined to favour independence.
2. policy to be made more locally/in tune with local needs
   or views
   different top rate of income tax in Scotland
   this helps reflect different political outlooks (more left-wing in
   Scotland) but that it also leads to unevenness across the UK, which is often seen as unfair, especially for England
   e.g. university tuition fees and prescription charges.
3. reduces centralisation of power at Westminster
   management of Covid-19 or environmental policy
   Westminster still maintains control over key policy areas, such as post-Brexit negotiations and national security and trans gender rights

Question 2

E+A 3 laws passed since 1998 concerning devolution

Answer 2

1.Wales Acts 2017,
recognised the permanence of the National Assembly
and changed the model of devolution to a reserved powers model.

2. Scotland 2016.
   Ensure you describe the key terms, and their significance for each of the Acts you select. Explain what key powers were transferred away from London for each Act. For AO2, comment on the significance
3. Scotland 2014

Question 3

E+A 3 ways that devolution has impacted the UK govt

Answer 3

1. reduced power Westminster with domestic policy outside
   England
   public health and speed limits on roads (
   what powers still remain with Westminster but also how devolution has led to a variation in laws and policies across the UK such as with charges for hospital parking and alcohol pricing.
2. wider range of electoral systems,
   (AMS) and (STV)
   single-party government is therefore very rare in the regional assemblies and coalition administrations are the norm. Of course, power-sharing is mandated in the legislation for
   Northern Ireland, irrespective of the election results.
3. raised the matter of an English parliament, as devolution in
   the UK is currently asymmetrical
   would give parity to England, there are problems associated with it, not least the lack of a clear English identity and the additional costs, as well as the apparent lack of public support.