Devolution Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the general meaning of devolution?
The meaning of devolution is the decentralisation of power, putting the power closer to the citizen so that local factors are better recognised in decision making.
What are the two types of devolution?
Devolution at a national level in the UK means the transfer of power from central government in London to other nations – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There is also devolution within England – moving power from central government to regions – e.g. London assembly and elected mayor, new combined authorities with “metro mayors”.
What are three key devolution acts?
The Scotland Act 1998, the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and the Government of Wales Act 1998 to devolve power.
However, the UK parliament still remains sovereign and amend the legislation or legislate on anything that has been devolved.
What is devolved (broadly speaking) to Wales, Northern Island and Scotland?
Health and social care
Education and training
Local government and housing
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
The environment and planning
Tourism, sport and heritage
Economic development and internal transport
What is not devolved to Northern island, Scotland and Wales?
HM government remains responsible for the constitution,
International relations and defence,
National security,
Nationality and immigration,
Nuclear energy,
,Broadcasting.
The UK tax system overall
Employment and social security (except Northern Ireland)
What is the first minister of Scottish parliament role and what’s his name.
John Swinney- head of the Scottish Government and is ultimately responsible for all policy and decisions.129 members of Scottish parliament.
What are four examples of how Scotland has the most extensive powers?
Holyrood gets half the VAT receipts raised in Scotland
Authority to set ALL income tax rates AND bands without altering the UK-wide personal allowance
Control over many aspects of welfare policy and administration
Powers relating to everything from awarding rail franchises to road speed limits
Who is the first minister of Wales?
Eluned Morgan, making her the first woman tolead the nation. 60 members of welsh parliament.
What is Scottish independence?
2014: Scottish referendum saw 55.3 per cent of voters vote ‘no’ to the question ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’.
Appetite for independence remains BUT devolution is not independence
How does voting work to elect the devolved legislatures?
Members of the welsh and Scottish parliament are elected to represent either a constituency using first-past-the-post, or a region on the additional member system, which uses the model of proportional representation.
Members elected in different ways have equal roles in these two legislatures.
All members of the Northern Ireland Assembly are elected on the single transferable vote form of proportional representation.
Who is the Secretary of State for Scotland?
Rt Hon Ian MurrayMP
Who is the secretary of state for Wales?
RT Hon Jo Stevens MP
Who is the Secretary of State for Northern Island?
Rt Hon Hilary BennMP
