The Conservatives and Constitutional Reform (2010-2016) Flashcards
What was The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011?
Established a pattern of fixed general elections every 5 years, starting in 2015. It thereby removed the ability of the prime minister to call an election at a politically advantageous time although its limitations were made clear by the calling of an early election in 2017.
What was The Scotland Act 2012?
Gave Scottish government the power to vary income tax up or down by 10p in the pound and devolved further powers to the Scottish government, including in the area of the regulation of controlled drugs. It also allowed the Scottish government to borrow up to £2.2bn per annum.
What was The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012?
Came in the wake of avalanche of control measures designed to meet the threat posed by terrorists in wake of 9/11, offered citizens greater protection from the state by putting in place proper scrutiny of the security services and oversight of surveillance and data collection.
What was The House of Lords Reform Act 2014?
Aimed at halting inexorable increase in the number of those eligible to sit and vote in the Lords, by giving existing peers the right to retire or resign their seats in the chamber. Also allowed peers to be removed as a result of serious criminal offences or non-attendance.
How many peers had resigned by 2016 under the terms of The House of Lords Reform Act?
54 with a further 4 removed as a result of non-attendance
What was The Wales Act 2014?
Transferred control of some smaller taxes to devolved institutions in Wales. Also put in place a mechanism by which devolution of other lower-level taxes could be developed, within the legal framework required for a Welsh referendum on the partial devolution of income tax. Also changed name of the Welsh Assembly to the Welsh government.
