Reserved and Devolved Powers Flashcards
What are the reserved powers which are only in the hands of Westminster?
Constitutional Affairs – decisions on devolution for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Defence – the Army, Navy and Air Force
Foreign Affairs – relations with other countries eg the EU or USA
Economic Policy – some taxes including business tax
Social Security – control of reserved benefits: universal credit, tax credits
Other – immigration, drug control and classification
What are the devolved powers given to Scotland?
Health:— the NHS in Scotland (hospitals, GP’s etc).
Education – nurseries, schools, colleges and universities
Local Government – responsibility for 32 local councils to deliver services such as roads and social care
Law and order – criminal law, civil law, the police, court and prison services, the fire service
Environment – environmental protection, flood prevention etc
Sports and the Arts – promotion of sports, museums, historic buildings etc
Social security – some powers over top-up benefits
Why are the devolved powers ineffective?
— Generally, most devolved matters are much smaller than the reserved powers.
— They don’t have as much effect on the populace as the reserved powers.
— So what is the point is a parliament that doesn’t have much power over its people?
— Instead, they have to bow down to their masters in Westminster.
