Full Answer
What is the history of devolution in Scotland?
Background to devolution. A referendum on Scottish devolution was held on 11 September 1997, with 74% voting in favour of a Scottish Parliament and 63% voting for the Parliament to have powers to vary the basic rate of income tax.
What are the devolved matters in Scotland?
Consequently devolved matters include: The Scottish Parliament has the power to pass primary legislation, but cannot legislate on reserved matters. Nor by schedule 4 can it amend protected enactments, such as certain articles of the Act of Union.
What is devolution and why does it matter?
Devolution puts power closer to the citizens to improve accountability and representation in decision making. In 1999 the Scottish Parliament was created with power over the majority of public services in Scotland. Devolution has not stood still – there have been major additions of new powers for the Scottish Parliament since 1999.
What was the result of the 1997 Scottish referendum?
A referendum on Scottish devolution was held on 11 September 1997, with 74% voting in favour of a Scottish Parliament and 63% voting for the Parliament to have powers to vary the basic rate of income tax.
What is a devolution issue in Scotland?
Devolution issues are defined in paragraph 1 of the Schedule as including: “(d) a question whether a purported or proposed exercise of a function by a member of the Scottish Executive is, or would be, incompatible with any of the Convention rights or with Community law”.
What powers does Scotland have in devolution?
The Scottish Government runs the country in relation to matters that are devolved from Westminster. This includes: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, transport and taxation.
What is meant by the devolution of Scotland and Wales?
Devolution is a process of decentralisation and puts power closer to the citizen, so that local factors are better recognised in decision making. This guide summarises how the political and administrative powers of the devolved legislatures (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have changed as a result of devolution.
What was the purpose of devolution in the UK?
In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.
Does Scotland have its own passport?
Inherent to citizenship is the right to hold a passport. In an independent Scotland all British citizens born or habitually resident in Scotland on day one of independence will have the right to acquire a Scottish passport, although, as in most countries, there will be no requirement to hold one.
What are examples of devolution?
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What is devolution easy definition?
Definition of devolution 1 : transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government. 2 : retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration.
What does devolution mean in law?
Devolution is about the transfer of power by a central government to local or regional administrations.
Is Scotland its own country?
Scotland (Scots: Scotland, Scottish Gaelic: Alba [ˈal̪ˠapə] ( listen)) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom.
What is meant by devolution in UK?
Devolution is about how parliaments and governments make decisions. In the UK it means that there are separate legislatures and executives in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who introduced devolution in the UK?
The Redcliffe-Maud Report of 1969 proposed devolving power from central government to eight provinces in England.
Can the Scottish Parliament be abolished?
(3)In view of that commitment it is declared that the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government are not to be abolished except on the basis of a decision of the people of Scotland voting in a referendum.”
What powers did the Scottish Parliament acquire over its own composition and functioning under the Scotland Act 2016?
The Scotland Act 2016 devolves the following powers to the Scottish Parliament: Powers to set rates and thresholds of Income Tax, and devolution of Air Passenger Duty. Some social security powers including disability and carers' benefits, Winter Fuel Allowance.
What powers are devolved in the UK?
The UK Government has also developed decentralisation in England. This is through the transfer of powers, budgets and responsibilities to mayors and through city deals. They have many powers to make laws and deliver public services. These are often called devolved powers.
Who started Scottish devolution?
Scottish Covenant Association (1940s and 1950s) It was formed by John MacCormick who had left the Scottish National Party in 1942 when they decided to support all-out independence for Scotland rather than devolution as had been their position.
Is housing a devolved power in Scotland?
Since 1999, housing policy has been devolved to the Scottish Parliament. This has allowed a new approach to develop in Scotland, one that recognises the central role that housing plays in determining quality of life.
What was the Scottish devolution referendum?
The Scottish devolution referendum of 1997 was a pre-legislative referendum over whether there was support for the creation of a Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom and whether there was support for such a parliament to have tax varying powers.
When did Scotland get the referendum?
The people of Scotland first got the opportunity to vote in a referendum on proposals for devolution in 1979 and, although a majority of those voting voted 'Yes', the referendum legislation also required 40% of the electorate to vote 'Yes' for the plans to be enacted and this was not achieved.
What was the UK's pledge to devolve powers?
Two days before the referendum was held, with polls very close, the leaders of the three main UK political parties made "The Vow", a public pledge to devolve "extensive new powers" to the Scottish Parliament if independence was rejected. They also agreed to a devolution timetable proposed by Gordon Brown .
What is the Scottish Executive?
Following the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, the Scottish Executive was rebranded as the Scottish Government by the new Scottish National Party administration. Other changes that took place at this time included the development of the National Performance Framework and major restructuring whereby Directors-General were put in charge of the achievement of the Government's strategic objectives. These changes have been described as developing a form of strategic state. The Scottish Executive was legally renamed to the Scottish Government in the Scotland Act 2012 .
What was the Scottish referendum in 1979?
The Scottish referendum of 1979 was a post-legislative referendum to decide whether there was sufficient support for the Scotland Act 1978 that was to create a deliberative assembly for Scotland.
What was the Scottish Covenant Association?
The Scottish Covenant Association was a non-partisan political organisation that sought the establishment of a devolved Scottish Assembly. It was formed by John MacCormick who had left the Scottish National Party in 1942 when they decided to support all-out independence for Scotland rather than devolution as had been their position.
When did the Scottish Parliament publish its recommendations?
Two months later, on 27 November 2014, the commission published its recommendations, which included giving the Scottish Parliament complete power to set income tax rates and bands, increased borrowing powers, and an extensive list of other rights and powers.
Why is devolution important in Scotland?
Devolution puts power closer to the citizen so local factors are better recognised in decision-making. Thanks to devolution, Scotland has two governments which are responsible for different areas. Devolution has not stood still – there have been major additions of new powers for the Scottish Parliament since 1999.
When did Scotland vote for devolution?
In September 1997, there was a referendum in Scotland in which people voted for devolution.
What powers are devolved?
The table below shows matters which are devolved and reserved, and what the Scottish Government and UK Government are each responsible for:
How is the Scottish Government funded?
The Scottish Government is responsible for managing its own expenditure and is accountable to the Scottish Parliament . The devolution settlement means that expenditure on public services in Scotland is higher than the UK average. The Scottish Government has around £40 billion to spend a year. This comes from a combination of taxes and revenues devolved to Scotland as well as the Block Grant. The video below explains this further and you can find out more on the Scottish Government website.
What is the Scotland Act?
The Scotland Act 2016, which devolved further powers to Scotland including significant areas of income tax and welfare. The Scotland Act 2012, which provided the largest transfer of financial powers from Westminster since the creation of the UK.
How many governments does Scotland have?
Scotland has two governments – each has power and responsibility over different things. Devolution has made a real difference to the lives of people in Scotland since the Scottish Parliament was established, and recognises the wishes of the people to have more say over matters that affect them. This page outlines how the UK ...
Can Scotland make laws in reserved areas?
The Scottish Government cannot make laws in reserved areas and there has been a convention that the UK Parliament will not legislate in devolved areas without the consent of Holyrood.
When did Scottish devolution happen?
In 1995 , the Labour Party announced its commitment to hold a referendum on establishing a Scottish parliament with tax-varying powers.
What is devolution in the UK?
Devolution is about how parliaments and governments make decisions. The term is used to describe the process of transferring power from central government to the regions and nations of the UK. Devolution is derived from the Latin, meaning to "roll down".
What is the purpose of devolution?
Devolution means that decision making moves closer to the citizen and is more democratic.
What did Boris Johnson say about devolution in Scotland?
During a meeting with northern Conservative MPs on November 16, Boris Johnson said that there would be no more powers handed down from Westminster.
What did Tony Blair say about devolution?
He said that " devolution has been a disaster north of the border " and it was former PM " Tony Blair's biggest mistake".
How many people agreed that a Scottish parliament should be created?
The referendum provided an overwhelming verdict as 74 per cent of voters agreed that a Scottish parliament should be created.
Who is under fire for reportedly branding Scottish devolution a "disaster"?
BORIS Johnson is under fire for reportedly branding Scottish devolution a "disaster" during a conference call with northern Conservative MPs on November 16.
When did Scotland and Wales vote for devolution?
In September 1997, referendums were held in Scotland and Wales, and a majority of voters chose to establish a Scottish Parliament and a National Assembly for Wales. In Northern Ireland, devolution was a key part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement supported by voters in a referendum in May 1998.
What is devolution in politics?
Devolution is a process of decentralisation and puts power closer to the citizen, so that local factors are better recognised in decision making. This guide summarises how the political and administrative powers of the devolved legislatures (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have changed as a result of devolution. ...
What is a concordat between the UK government and the devolved administrations?
Concordats between the government and the devolved administrations recognise the interest of the latter in aspects of international and EU relations, matters which remain the responsibility of UK government, and set out working arrangements to deal with them. A large number of further concordats have been agreed between UK departments and the devolved administrations.
How are devolved administrations budgets determined?
The devolved administrations’ budgets are generally determined through block grant funding from the UK government and their own revenue-raising powers.
How many devolution laws are there in the UK?
Following this public endorsement, the UK Parliament passed three devolution Acts: the Scotland Act 1998, the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and the Government of Wales Act 1998 (which was later effectively superseded by the Government of Wales Act 2006). These acts established the three devolved legislatures, which were given some powers previously held at Westminster. Further powers have been devolved since these original acts, most recently through the Scotland Act 2016 and Wales Act 2017.
What is the difference between a devolved legislature and a devolved parliament?
Devolved legislatures. One of the main differences between Parliament and the devolved legislatures is in the way members are elected. Whilst all Members of Parliament are elected using first-past-the-post, elections to the devolved legislatures involve an element of proportional representation:
Do devolved government officials serve the same ministers as HM government?
Officials in the devolved administrations do not serve the same ministers as HM Government - that is they do not work to the Prime Minister or to Secretaries of State who form the Cabinet, but to their own ministers with their own political priorities and mandates.
Why did the Scottish people support devolution?
And one reason why the Scottish people endorsed devolution so overwhelmingly in 1997, was to stop anything similar ever happening again.
What was the genius of the original devolution settlement?
Part of the genius of the original devolution settlement – and it’s something for which Donald Dewar and others deserve great credit – is that anything which was not specifically reserved, was devolved. New areas could be defined as reserved – but only with the consent of both parliaments.
What are some measures that have helped Scotland become a better and fairer country?
But measures such as land reform; the ban on smoking in public places; the most ambitious climate change legislation in the world; equal marriage; minimum unit pricing for alcohol; and much, much more besides - all of these have helped, or are helping, to make Scotland a better and fairer country.
Why was the Scottish Parliament always envisaged as a place where parties would have to seek compromise and consensus?
But perhaps most importantly of all, the Scottish Parliament was always envisaged as a place where parties would have to seek compromise and consensus. The use of proportional representation in elections is the key reason for that.
What has the Scottish Parliament done for the last 20 years?
The Scottish Parliament throughout the last 20 years has often worked to build consensus and seek common ground. And that is the spirit in which I want to continue. The fact that political parties don’t agree on Scotland’s final destination, should not prevent us from travelling as far as we can together.
Was the withdrawal bill within the Scottish Parliament?
Essentially, the Supreme Court decided unanimously that although – with one exception – the Bill would have been within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament when it was passed, the subsequent passage of the UK’s Withdrawal Act meant that parts of it were no longer within competence.
Is a solicitor a member of the Scottish government?
That the Scottish Government’s Solicitor should be a member of your Council demonstrates the strong - and properly independent - relationship which exists between the Scottish Government and the wider legal profession.
How does devolution work in Scotland?
The Scottish Parliament sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh. There are 129 elected Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
When did Scotland and Wales devolve?
Public votes about devolution were held in 1997 in Scotland and Wales, and in both parts of Ireland in 1998 as part of the Good Friday Agreement. This led to the creation of new elected institutions: the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales (now called the Senedd) and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
What parties are in the devolved government?
But in January 2020, the two parties re-entered the devolved government after agreeing to work together again, alongside three smaller parties - the Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Alliance.
What is the Scottish National Party?
The Scottish National Party (SNP), which has formed the Scottish government at Holyrood since 2007, continues to argue for full independence. The SNP has also called for more devolved power following the UK's departure from the EU.
What is the power sharing agreement between the nationalist and unionist communities in Northern Ireland?
In addition, the power-sharing agreement between the nationalist and unionist communities in Northern Ireland is vital. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister jointly lead the government - one representing each of the two largest parties in power, in a mandatory coalition.
Where is devolution based?
What is devolution? For many years England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were run by the UK government, based in Westminster in London. image copyright.
How many members are there in the Welsh Parliament?
Since May 2020, the National Assembly of Wales has been known as the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament). It meets in Cardiff Bay, and is made up of 60 elected Members of the Senedd (MS).
What is the Scottish government's white paper on independence?
The Scottish Government’s White Paper on independence, published in 2013, claimed that HE in Scotland reflected the principles of social justice rather than , as in England, those of the market.
What happened next?
The Scottish Independence Referendum was the first election open to 16 and 17 year olds, an age group for whom Higher Education (HE) is a key issue. To provide this audience with easy access to their findings, the researchers produced teaching materials and a film featuring policy makers, students and school leavers; the film in particular was widely used and praised by Government.
Who funded the Impact Acceleration Award?
In addition to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), including an Impact Acceleration Award, the work was variously funded by Universities Scotland, the Equality Challenge Unit, the University of Edinburgh’s Reach programme, the Sutton Trust and the Robertson Foundation.
Is education a devolved matter?
Education is a ‘devolved matter’ in Scotland, and the Scottish Government has characterised HE as a flagship policy; one which exemplifies central differences in its welfare regime, compared to that of the rest of the UK.
Background to Devolution
- A referendum on Scottish devolution was held on 11 September 1997, with 74% voting in favour of a Scottish Parliament and 63% voting for the Parliament to have powers to vary the basic rate of income tax. This led to the introduction by the UK government of the Scotland Bill, which receive…
The Scotland Act 1998
- The Scotland Act 1998 made provision for a Scottish government of ministers and a Scottish Parliamentto which they would be accountable. Elections were held on 6 May 1999 and powers previously exercised by the Secretary State for Scotland and other UK ministers were transferred to Scottish ministers on 1st July 1999, the same day that the Scottish Parliament was officially c…
The Scottish Settlement
- The establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish government is provided for in the Scotland Act 1998 (as amended by the Scotland Act 2012). Schedule 5 to the actsets out those matters which are reserved to the UK Parliament. (Note that schedule 5 has been amended since the Scotland Act gained Royal Assent.) All other issues are deemed to be devolved. Reserved m…
The Scottish Parliament
- The Scottish Parliament has full legislative powers over devolved matters and its laws are known as ASPs(acts of the Scottish Parliament). There are 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). These are divided into 2 types: 1. 73 constituency MSPswho are elected on a ‘first-past-the-post’ system to represent a particular constituency 2. 56 regional members There is no differ…
The Scottish Government
- The Scotland Act 1998 created a Scottish government consisting of the First Minister, other ministers appointed by the First Minister, and the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General for Scotland. These are referred to collectively as Scottish ministers. The Scottish government is responsible for functions of government within Scotland as far as they extend to devolved matte…
Interaction Between Devolved and Reserved Matters
- The Scottish Parliament is not able to legislate on matters which are reserved and there is a convention that HM government will not introduce legislation on devolved areas without the agreement of the Scottish Parliament. However it will sometimes be necessary for Parliament at Westminster to legislate on devolved matters with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament, or f…
Overview
The decision of the Parliament of Scotland to ratify the Treaty of Union in 1707 was not unanimous and, from that time, individuals and organisations have advocated the reinstatement of a Scottish Parliament. Some have argued for devolution – a Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom – while others have advocated complete independence. The people of Scotland first got the opportunity to vote in a referendum on proposals for devolution in 1979 and, although a majorit…
Proposed further devolution
Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party is in favour of reforming the UK and has promised to do so "quickly" if a UK Labour government is elected. Starmer has also tasked Gordon Brown, former prime minister of the UK with heading a "Constitution Commission" which would form in the event of a Labour UK government. Gordon Brown has suggested federalism as a viable option following Brexit and according to Tory MP Adam Tompkins, Gordon Brown wants "a reformed Br…
History
Having agreed to pass the Union with England Act, the Parliament of Scotland 'adjourned' on 25 March 1707. The new united Kingdom of Great Britain came into being on 1 May 1707, with a single parliament of Great Britain which in effect was the Parliament of England with the addition of Scottish representation. The post of Secretary of State for Scotland existed after 1707 until the Jacobite rising of 1745. Thereafter, responsibility for Scotland lay primarily with the office of the Secretary …
Scottish Parliament established, May 1999
The Scottish Parliament met for the first time on 12 May 1999 and began its first session with SNP member Winnie Ewing stating "the Scottish Parliament, adjourned on 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened"
Construction of the Scottish Parliament building began in June 1999 and the first debate in the new building was held on Tuesday 7 September 2004. The f…
Restrictions imposed by the UK parliament
The UK Parliament passed the UK Internal Market Act in 2020 which "directly constrains devolution" according to the Scottish Government. The actions of the Act are described in a report by Scottish MSP, Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs; The act allows goods sold in one part of the UK to be automatically accepted in the rest of the UK, despite differing devolved rules. The act can also cause the regulation of service in one part of t…
See also
• Scottish Social Attitudes Survey
• Scottish Constitutional Convention
• Scottish Constitutional Commission
• Constitutional status of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles
Further reading
• Brown, Gordon; Harvie, Christopher (1979). A Voter's Guide to the Scottish Assembly (PDF). Studioscope Ltd.
• Uncharted Territory: The Story of Scottish Devolution 1999–2009 by Hamish Macdonell (2009)
• The Scottish Political System Since Devolution: From New Politics to the New Scottish Government by Paul Cairney (2011)
What Is Devolution?
The History of Devolution
- In September 1997 there was a referendum in Scotland in which people voted for devolution. The UK Parliament then passed the Scotland Act 1998which established the Scottish Parliament, which opened in 1999. Devolution has not stood still since 1999, with a number of changes and additions to the Scottish Parliament’s powers. These include the Scotland Act 2016 and Scotlan…
How Is The Scottish Government Funded?
- The Scottish Government is responsible for managing its own expenditure and is accountable to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government’s funding comes from a combination of devolved taxes and revenues as well as the Block Grant. The Block Grant is the funding transferred to the Scottish Government from the UK Government. The Block Grant is paid for fro…
Devolution and Social Security
- Responsibility for delivering some benefits in Scotland is being devolved to the Scottish Government. A new Scottish social securityagency is being set up that will have responsibility for: 1. Ill Health and Disability Benefits: 1.1. Disability Living Allowance 1.2. Personal Independence Payment 1.3. Attendance Allowance 1.4. Severe Disablement Allowance 1.5. Industrial Injuries D…
Overview
- Devolution is a process of decentralisation and puts power closer to the citizen, so that local factors are better recognised in decision making. This guide summarises how the political and administrative powers of the devolved legislatures (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have changed as a result of devolution. A more detailed breakdown of the changes in each territory i…
Background to Devolution
- In September 1997, referendums were held in Scotland and Wales, and a majority of voters chose to establish a Scottish Parliament and a National Assembly for Wales. In Northern Ireland, devolution was a key part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement supported by voters in a referendum in May 1998. Following this public endorsement, the UK Parliame...
Devolved Legislatures
- One of the main differences between Parliament and the devolved legislatures is in the way members are elected. Whilst all Members of Parliament are elected using first-past-the-post, elections to the devolved legislatures involve an element of proportional representation: Members of the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales are elected to represent either …
Devolved Administrations
- In a similar way to how the government is formed from members from the two Houses of Parliament, members of the devolved legislatures nominate ministers from among themselves to comprise an executive, known as the devolved administrations, as follows: 1. the Scottish Government is a minority government comprised of the Scottish National Party 2. the Welsh Gov…
Territorial Offices
- Within HM Government - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are each represented in Cabinet by a territorial Secretary of State. Their job is to ensure the smooth running of the devolution settlements and act as the lynchpin of the relationship between the devolved administration and HM Government. The responsibilities of the territorial Secretaries of State are: 1. handling legisl…
Memorandum of Understanding
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)between the UK government and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was first agreed in 2001 and most recently updated in October 2013. It sets out the principles which support relations between these administrations. The MoU puts emphasis on the principles of good communication, consultatio…
Funding The Devolved Administrations
- The devolved administrations’ budgets are generally determined through block grant funding from the UK government and their own revenue-raising powers. Block grant funding from the UK government is determined in accordance with the Statement of Funding Policy and, where appropriate, the Scottish and Welsh governments’ fiscal frameworks. More detail on how the blo…
Relations Between Administrations
- Relations between Whitehall and the three devolved administrations are based on extra-statutory principles and arrangements. The main elements are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) between the UK government and the devolved administrations. The MOU lays emphasis on the principles of good communication, consultation and co-operation. Concor…
Joint Ministerial Committee
- The Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) is established by the MoU between the UK government and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Its purpose is to provide central coordination of the overall relationship between the administrations. Its terms of reference are: 1. to consider non-devolved matters which impinge on devolved responsibilities, a…