Devolution- Paper 2 Flashcards
Define devolution
transferring legislative power from a central parliament to a local or regional legislature
Has devolution been successful?
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
Devolution of Scotland steps
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
Welsh devolution steps:
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
Northern Ireland devolution steps
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
Points FOR devolution
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
Points AGAINST devolution
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