Devolution- Paper 2

Question 1

Define devolution

Answer 1

transferring legislative power from a central parliament to a local or regional legislature

Question 2

Has devolution been successful?

Answer 2

YES:
- the UK is still together
-devolved powers are very popular in the regions
- Welsh interest in devolution has increased, as has their demand for greater devolution
NO:
-Scottish parliament has increased the desire for independence
- west Lothian question unanswered (English votes on English laws)
- low turn out, implying low interest

Question 3

Devolution of Scotland steps

Answer 3

Scotland act 1998:
gave primary legislative power and slight tax varying power

Scotland Act 2012:
increased tax varying power

Scotland act 2016:
more power over transport, energy and income tax

Question 4

Welsh devolution steps:

Answer 4

Wales act 1998:
gave secondary legislative powers

2011 devolution referendum:
voted yes to giving the assembly power in 20 areas such as health

Wales act 2017:
gave further powers in transport, energy and income tax

Question 5

Northern Ireland devolution steps

Answer 5

Northern Ireland Act 1998:
assembly created and power decentralised

2010:
devolution of policing and criminal justice

Corporation Tax Act 2015:
given power to set corporation tax

Question 6

Points FOR devolution

Answer 6

Localized decision making:
allows region specific needs to be addressed

lightens central gov load:
allows national gov to focus on broader issues

Boosts participation:
increases local engagement

Question 7

Points AGAINST devolution

Answer 7

potential for regional conflict:
increased tension between regions

complexity in gov:
may lead to overlapping responsibilities

Unequal development:
can exacerbate inequalities is some regions develop faster than others