1.3 - The Role And Powers Of Devolved Bodies In The UK Flashcards
What were the labour government under Blair objectives for devolution in the UK
- recreate a democratically elected strategic authority for the capital
- set up unelected regional development agencies
How did the Blair government recreate a democratically elected strategic authority for the capital
- led to establishment of 2 new institutions from 2000, an elected mayor with executive powers, supported by the Greater London assembly.
- both share oversight of policy areas such as policing, transport, economic development
- first mayor Ken livingstone introduced congestion charge for drivers entering central London, and by 2015 16 more urban areas adopted the elected mayor model
How did the labour gov attempt to set up enelected regional development agencies
- purpose of it was to promote economic development on behalf of central government
- gov attempted to go further and create elected regional assemblies, which failed to gain support
- one referendum was held in the north east on regional assembly proposal, with 78% saying no in 2004
What did the conservative and Lib Dem gov do for devolution in England
- abolished the regional development agencies
- tried to implement concept of regionalism, combining local authorities in city regions with each being led by a directly elected metro mayor. These include developing an economic growth strategy and making policy on housing, skills and transport
What power was not granted to the devolved bodies within the UK to ensure the 4 nations remained in it?
- reserved powers : defence, foreign policy, constitutional matter, welfare benefits and trade, currency, and interest rates
What is the make up of the Scottish parliament and government
- set up in Edinburgh in 1999, 129 members of parliament, elected every 4 years, uses additional member system.
- the gov devises and implements policies on matters devolved to Scotland and proposes an annual budget to parliament, head of Scottish gov is known as the first minister
What are some of the devolved powers Granted to Scotland
- education, tourism, sport and culture, economic development, environment, justice, local gov, housing, police + fire services, health and social services, agriculture etc
What’s an example of Scottish social policy?
- Scottish students don’t pay tuition fees, free nursing care for the elderly
- in 2016, Scottish gov ended right of council tenants to buy their own homes
What did the calman commission set up under Gordan brown grant as additional powers in 2012
- taxation powers, right to set up Scottish income tax rate
- borrowing powers
- regulation of air weapons
- ## drink driving alcohol limits
What did the Scottish referendum and the smith commission lead to
- led to further powers being transferred in 2015-16, relating to welfare and taxation
As well as control over air passenger duty, licensing of oil and gas, welfare benefits.
What is the make up of the Welsh assembly and government
- nastinal assembly for wales based in Cardiff
- assembly members are elected by the AMS (PR) with their role to represent the Welsh people, making laws on areas devolved to wales + holding Welsh gov to account
- only 60 members, headed by a first minister
What are some examples of devolved powers given to the Welsh assembly
- local gov, health, fire and rescue services, transport, housing, environment, education, culture
What is the context to the make up of the Northern Irish assembly
- devolution established in 1998, following the ‘Good Friday ageeement’
- aim to bring together unionists (keep NI in UK) and republicans ( independent Ireland)
- creation of a power-sharing executive, where both sides are represented
- NI assembly has been suspended more than once, at one point for almost 5 years, 2002-07
What is the make up of the Northern Irish assembly
- located in Belfast, consists of 90 members of legislative assembly
- elected using the STV (single transferable vote), key in ensuring a power sharing system
- executive is headed by a first minister and deputy first minister
- seats in the assembly are allocated in proportion to their parties strength in the assembly
What are some examples of devolved powers given to Northern Ireland
- education, housing, transport, culture, justice + policing, culture + sport
- there are also reserved matters, normally on domain or Westminster but the assembly can legislate on with consent of NI secretary (member of Uk cabinet), included financial services, broadcasting, firearms
