Devolution Flashcards
Devolution
the delegation of power from the UK Parliament in Westminster to assemblies in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scottish parliament.
The Scotland Act 1998
Gave Scottish parliament primary legislative power in law and order, education, income tax
The Scotland Act 2012
Gave the Scottish parliament power to raise or lower income tax by 10p in the pound, control over stamp duty
Scotland Act 2016
Further powers over abortion laws, creating income tax, changing its electoral system with a two thirds vote,
Govt of Wales Act 1998
Only developed secondary legislation and lacked primary.
Wales Act 2006
Established separate welsh govt and granted them some primary legislation in specified policy fields but they needed Westminster’s approval.
Allowed further powers if voter supported in a referendum vote.
2011 Wales referendum
Supported the transfer of greater powers by a large margin (63% to 37%)
Wales Act 2017
Further powers, gave them legislative powers on all matters not reserved to Westminster.
Wales Act 2020
Formally changed its name to Senedd Cymru or Welsh parliament
The NI Act 1998
The Good Friday Agreement leads to a ceasefire and end to The Troubles in NI, paving a way for a NI Assembly
How are devolved administrations funded
Block grants from the UK govt and largest of these grants are adjusted using the Barnet Formula
What is the Barnet Formula
A formula mechanism used by the UK Treasury to adjust the amount of public spending allocated to Scotland, NI and Wales
Barnet formula and HS2
UK govt argued that HS2 rail line connecting London and north of England will result in Barnett consequentials for Scotland and NI but not for Wales bcuz the UK department is responsible for railway in England and Wales
Criticisms of the Barnett formula
- public spending per person is far more higher in Scotland, NI and Wales than in England
Advantages of the Barnett formula
- its quite simple - the 4 govts don’t need to negotiate over funding
- more predictable form devolved govts
