English Devolution Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is a Local Authority?
An organisation that is officially responsible for all the public services and facilities in a particular area.
Define ‘Borough’.
A town or district that is an administrative unit.
What significant change occurred in local government in England since the Victorian era?
Several reorganisations, including a shift from a two-tier system to single-tier local governance in some areas.
What are unitary authorities?
Single-tier local governments that replaced the two-tier system in some areas.
What government introduced the Greater London Authority?
The New Labour government from 1997.
What are the two branches of the Greater London Authority?
- Legislature
- Executive
What was the Greater London Council (GLC) and when was it abolished?
A London-wide administration abolished in 1986.
What happened to London governance from 1986 until 2000?
There was no London-wide administration; individual boroughs managed their own affairs.
What two institutions were established in London in 2000?
- An elected mayor with executive powers
- A Greater London Assembly
How many members are in the London Assembly?
25 members.
What voting method does the London Assembly use for elections?
AMS (Additional Member System).
What power does the London Assembly have regarding the Mayor’s budget?
Can amend the Mayor’s annual budget with a two-thirds supermajority.
Who was the first elected Mayor of London?
Ken Livingstone.
Who succeeded Ken Livingstone as Mayor of London in 2008?
Boris Johnson.
Who is the current Mayor of London as of 2021?
Sadiq Khan.
List some responsibilities of the London Mayor.
- Strategic planning
- Refuse or permit planning permission
- Transport policy
- Fire and emergency planning
- Policing and crime policy
- Economic development
What model was adopted by 16 urban areas in England by 2015?
The elected mayor model.
What were Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)?
Unelected bodies tasked with promoting economic development.
What was the outcome of the 2004 referendum in the North-East regarding regional assemblies?
The idea was soundly defeated with a 78% no vote.
What did the coalition government do regarding RDAs?
Abolished them and established combined local authorities in city-regions.
What are Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs)?
Elected officials responsible for ensuring police accountability.
What change did Theresa May announce regarding PCCs in 2011?
Allowed the Home Office to withdraw from day-to-day policing matters.
What is the term length for PCCs?
Four years.
What voting method was used for PCC elections, and what will it change to?
Used SV (Supplementary Vote), changing to FPTP (First Past the Post).
