Devolution Flashcards
(32 cards)
What powers did the Scotland Act 2012 grant?
It granted Scotland borrowing powers, the right to set its own rate of income tax, and control over landfill tax and stamp duty.
What additional powers did the Scotland Act 2016 provide?
It extended Scottish powers over transport, energy, social security, and gave full control over income tax.
What is meant by Scotland having primary legislative powers?
It means Scotland can make laws on devolved matters without needing approval or direction from Westminster.
What was the result and significance of the 2011 Welsh referendum?
63.5% voted in favour of giving Wales the power to make laws in all 20 devolved policy areas without needing Westminster’s consent.
What power did the Wales Act 1998 grant?
It gave the Welsh Assembly secondary legislative powers, meaning it could implement laws in devolved areas but required Westminster’s approval.
What did the Wales Act 2017 enable?
It allowed further powers in transport and energy and enabled the Welsh Government to vary income tax by +/-10%.
What powers were devolved to Wales in 2010?
Policing and criminal justice were devolved.
What corporate tax power was devolved to Wales in 2015?
Wales was given the power to set its own corporate tax.
What was the result of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendum in Northern Ireland?
70% voted in favour of the agreement, which led to the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
Why was the Northern Ireland Assembly suspended between 2002 and 2007?
Due to a breakdown of trust between unionist and republican groups, the UK government temporarily suspended the Assembly.
Guve examples of devolution in England
1999 London Mayoral referendum brought back a London mayor and greater London authority under Blair
By 2015 a further 16 areas like Liverpool and Greater Manchester adopted the elected mayor model
‘Metro mayors’ were created under the coalition which aimed to create the ‘Northern powerhouse’ and tried to drive regional growth by making them derive their own policy on housing, skills etc
2016 Cities and Local Government Devolution Act
How does devolution help meet local needs?
By allowing devolved governments to tailor policies e.g. free tuition fees in Scotland Welsh language focus in the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 and abolition of Right to Buy scheme in Wales in 2016
How has devolution helped cultivate a strong sense of identity?
By allowing regions like Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland to promote local culture and language and helped end conflict in NI through power-sharing government
What is EVEL and what problem does it solve?
English Votes for English Laws EVEL solves the West Lothian Question by allowing only English MPs to vote on laws that only affect England
Since been abolished in 2021, government arguing that it added complexity to the legislative process. Scottish MPs are able to vote on assisted dying in England and Wales
Give examples of legislation addressing the West Lothian Question through EVEL
Housing and Planning Act 2016 primarily affecting England and Education Reforms 2016
How does devolution weaken demands for independence?
By providing regions with their own powers and decision-making it serves as a middle ground to maintain unity within the UK
Are devolved assemblies popular in their regions?
Yes referenda and polls show trust and support e.g.
55% voted to remain in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum
74.3% voted for a Scottish Parliament in 1997
50.3% in Wales initially and 63.5% in favour of full legislative power in 2011
Have devolved governments influenced UK-wide policies?
Yes policies like the ban on smoking in public spaces started in Scotland 2006 and the plastic bag charge in Wales 2011 were later adopted nationally
Asymmetrical devolution means what for Wales?
Wales has the least power among devolved bodies with limited tax and transport powers from Wales Act 2014 and Wales Act 2017
Why is devolution seen as a stepping stone to independence?
Recent talk about independence increased due to BREXIT with 62% Scots voting Remain and 45% voting for independence in 2014 referendum which has risen since devolution began
Is there strong public demand for devolution across the UK?
No public demand is low as shown by 2004 North East Devolution Referendum with 78% against
2012 City Mayors referendum only Bristol voted in favour
and 1979 Wales referendum rejection
Does devolution solve the West Lothian Question fully?
No it creates ‘two tiers of MPs’ and the West Lothian Question was only abolished in 2021
How does devolution affect Scottish MPs in Westminster?
It makes Scottish MPs feel second class within Westminster
Does devolution inspire political participation?
No devolved bodies have lower turnout than general elections eg 2003 Welsh Assembly election 38.2% vs 59% general election turnout 2011 Scottish Parliament election 50.5% vs 65% and 1999 Scottish Parliament election 58.8% vs 71%
