Beyond Westminster: Regional Power Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is devolution and how has it been implemented in the UK?
The transfer of power from central government to local or regional bodies
In the UK through distinct legislatures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with powers over key policy areas
What is England’s approach to devolution?
No devolved legislature, but decentralisation through local initiatives and metro mayors
Main reasons for UK devolution?
To bring decision-making closer to local people and reduce over-centralisation
What re criticism of the UK’s centralisation?
Economic focus on London/South-East left the areas behind (“forgotten places” - Heseltine, 2016)
Difference between reserved and devolved powers?
Reserved powers remain with UK Parliament; devolved powers are transferred to regional governments
What is asymmetrical devolution?
Each UK nation has a unique devolution settlement based on its political history i.e. policing is devolved in Northern Ireland and Scotland but reserved in Wales
What is the “Missing Middle” in UK governance?
The gap between central government and localities
What did the Kilbrandon Commission (1973) recommend?
Rejected federalism but supported Scottish and Welsh Assemblies
What was the 1974 local government reform?
Reduced 1200+ authorities to 45 countries and 332 districts
What happened in 1986 under Thatcher?
The Greater London Council (GLC) and metropolitan councils were abolished
Major New Labour-era devolution milestones?
1999 - Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly created
2000 - Greater London Assembly created
2004 - North-East assembly referendum failed
What were RDAs and their purpose?
Regional Development Agencies linked central and local economic policy
What was the Localism Agenda (2010-2015)?
2011 Localism Act gave councils more power -> RDAs replaced by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
What was the first metro mayor deal and what do Metro Mayors focus on?
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (2011) with elected mayor (deal made in 2014)
Metro Mayors are strategic, not local leaders who focus on economic development, transport, skills
What are Combined Authorities?
Formal coalitions of councils with devolved powers and central funding
Who initiated Devolution Deals and why?
George Osborne in 2010 to promote (earned autonomy) and win support in Labour areas
What legislation formalised devolution deals?
The 2016 Cities and Local Government Devolution Act
Difference between London Mayor and Metro Mayors?
London Mayor has broader powers and stronger accountability (i.e. over policing and planning)
Criticisms of the metro mayor system?
Its based around a patchwork system with uneven coverage -> idea mayors risk being stretched too thin
What are the key aims of the 2024 Devolution White Paper?
- Complete England’s devolution map
- Deepen metro mayor powers
- Improve scrutiny/accountability
- Avoid wholesale reform
What is the goal of fiscal and planning devolution?
To give local governments more control over planning, taxation, and spending
Wheat tensions exist in fiscal devolution and which departments resist it?
Balancing local autonomy with national equity and policy -> resisted by Deperatment for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury due to fear of fragmentation
What future areas could be devolved?
Health, justice, employment, and public services
“Breadth vs Depth” debate in devolution?
Whether to expand powers to more areas or consolidate existing responsibilities
