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Local and Devolved Government (Elected Local Government (Local governments…
Local and Devolved Government
Scottish Parliament
129 MSPs
Devolved matters include:
agriculture, forestry and fisheries
education and training
environment
health and social services
housing
law and order
local government
sport and the arts
tourism and economic development
many aspects of transport
Welsh Assembly
60 assembly members
Devolved powers include:
Agriculture, Forestry, Animals, Plants and Rural Development
Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings
Culture
Economic Development
Education and Training
Environment
Fire and Rescue Services and Fire Safety
Food
Health and Health Services
Highways and Transport
Housing
Local Government
National Assembly for Wales
Public Administration
Social Welfare
Sport and Recreation
Tourism
Devolved Taxes
Town and Country Planning
Water and Flood Defence
Welsh Language
N. Ireland Assembly
Power sharing coalition between unionist and nationalist parties
108 representatives
Devolved issues include:
health and social services
education
employment and skills
agriculture
social security
pensions and child support
housing
economic development
local government
environmental issues, including planning
transport
culture and sport
the Northern Ireland Civil Service
equal opportunities
justice and policing
Devolution vs Federalism
The UK is a devolved state as opposed to a federal one
If we were a federal state, then each of the four countries in the United Kingdom would have their own parliament, with the same powers.
However, Scotland has more powers than Wales and Northern Ireland, and England technically has none (We do not have our own, strictly English law making body)
As well as this, being a unitary state means that all powers held by the devolved assemblies have been given by Westminster- in theory, they could withdraw them at any moment.
It is possible to argue, however, that the UK is a quasi-federal state
Yes we are
Increased devolution, e.g. regional assemblies, GLA, city mayors
EVEL bill passed, attempting to give more equal weighting to each part of the UK
Creation of more regional groups, e.g. Northern Powerhouse
No we are not
No English Parliament
Power is unevenly distributed
Sovereignty of Parliament is one of the key principles of our constitution- they have the right to withdraw powers from devolved bodies at any point
Elected Local Government
Local governments are heavily controlled by central government, and their actions are limited by the doctrine of ultra vires- beyond authority. Local governments can only act inter vires, and can be fined for pursuing activities beyond their reach.
Organisations such as Ofsted seek to hold local governments to account.
Central government have ultimate control over financial and legislative affairs in any given area.
They can, however, issue secondary instruments, giving local governments the power to create their own policies on issues such as infrastructure, refuse collection and housing.