Introduction to Devolution

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Introduction to Devolution

DevWeb

Introduction to Devolution

Devolution refers to the delegation of power from Central Government to a National or Regional body.

Devolution has been a key Political issue in the United Kingdom for centuries from the debate on Irish Home rule to the foundation of the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

The Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland brought into effect the Northern Ireland Assembly with powers to legislate on issues relating to finance and personnel, agriculture, education, health and social services, economic development, and the environment for Northern Ireland. The Agreement also envisaged the setting up of the British - Irish Council, a body consisting of the United Kingdom and Irish Governments, the devolved administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales as well as the administrations of the Crown Dependencies in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The Crown Dependencies are not part of the United Kingdom, nor are they devolved administrations but are possessions of the British Crown.

The United Kingdom Government announced proposals for regional Devolution in three of England's regions, the North, North East and North West. These plans were scrapped after they were rejected in a referendum in the North East.

Central Government has made a series of agreements, known as Concordats with each of the Devolved Legislatures. These Concordats can be found on the Department for Constitutional Affairs' website

For more information on Devolution including timelines, powers and financial settlement please see the House of Commons' Research Paper - Introduction to Devolution [PDF].