2025-03-18 - POLI102 Devolution Lecture-2 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is devolution?
The transfer of power by a central government to local or regional administrations
Devolution allows distinct legislatures and governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to have powers over various policy areas.
What does devolution mean in a modern context?
It means distinct legislatures and governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have powers over various policy areas previously managed by the UK Government.
What is a devolution settlement?
Unique arrangements established through Acts of UK Parliament that set out the legislative competence of devolved bodies.
What is the difference between devolved and reserved powers?
Devolved powers are passed from the UK Parliament to devolved legislatures, while reserved powers remain at the UK Parliament level.
What is asymmetrical devolution?
A situation where sub-state governments have different structures or powers.
What is the West Lothian Question?
The objection that MPs from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can vote on English matters while English MPs cannot vote on the same issues in those nations.
What is English Votes for English Laws (EVEL)?
A provision that allows English MPs to approve laws that affect only England.
What was the Kilbrandon Commission’s recommendation?
It rejected federalism and recommended the creation of Scottish and Welsh Assemblies.
What was the outcome of the 1971 White Paper regarding local authorities?
It proposed an end to the outdated division between counties and county boroughs, leading to a standardized pattern of county and district councils.
What significant changes did the Thatcher government implement in 1986?
The abolition of the Greater London Council (GLC) and Metropolitan authorities.
What was the purpose of the Greater London Assembly (GLA) created in 2000?
To provide governance and oversight for Greater London following the abolition of the GLC.
What are Metro Mayors?
Directly-elected regional leaders who chair combined authorities with devolved functions and budgets.
What is a Combined Authority (CA)?
A collaboration formed by two or more local authorities to agree on a bespoke deal with the central government for devolved powers.
What was the focus of the devolution journey initiated by George Osborne in 2010?
Growth, economic levers, transport, skills, health, culture, and housing through Localism.
What does the Devolution White Paper published in December 2024 aim to achieve?
Complete the map of devolution in England and create more uniformity.
Fill in the blank: The _______ Act of 2016 introduced the Cities and Local Government Devolution.
Cities and Local Government Devolution
What is the primary concern of Metro Mayors regarding their responsibilities?
That they could spread themselves too thin in terms of policy delivery.
What significant powers does the Mayor of London have compared to Metro Mayors?
Significant powers over transport, policing, planning, and fiscal responsibilities.
What was the reform introduced by the 2011 Localism Act?
Provided new freedoms and flexibilities for local government and ensured housing decisions are made locally.
True or False: Candidates for Metro Mayor must be born in the local area.
False
What is the ‘Missing Middle’ in the context of UK governance?
The missing link or tier of governance between the Centre and localities.
What does ‘Earned Autonomy’ refer to in the context of devolution?
A system where the central government delegates power and resources based on successful policy implementation.
What is the role of devolution coordinators within UK Government departments?
To provide advice on how devolution affects departmental work and support intergovernmental collaboration.
What is the overarching goal of the Northern Powerhouse initiative?
To empower the North based on its strengths and potential for growth.
