6.2 The structure and functions of devolved governments
6 min read•august 16, 2024
Devolution in the UK has created distinct governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These bodies have their own parliaments, cabinets, and civil services, allowing for regional decision-making on key issues like health and education.
The devolved governments use different electoral systems than Westminster, promoting more proportional representation. This has led to diverse political landscapes and policy approaches, showcasing both the benefits and challenges of regional autonomy within the UK.
Devolved Government Institutions
Legislative Bodies and Leadership
Top images from around the web for Legislative Bodies and Leadership
Assembly Chamber | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Parliament Buildings at sunset | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Assembly Chamber | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Parliament Buildings at sunset | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Top images from around the web for Legislative Bodies and Leadership
Assembly Chamber | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Parliament Buildings at sunset | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Assembly Chamber | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Parliament Buildings at sunset | Northern Ireland Assembly | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
(Holyrood) consists of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) led by the First Minister who heads the Scottish Government
(Senedd Cymru) comprises 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs) led by the First Minister of Wales who heads the Welsh Government
(Stormont) has 90 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) operates under a power-sharing system with joint First Minister and deputy First Minister roles
Each devolved government has a cabinet or executive committee responsible for policy-making and implementation within devolved areas
Scottish Cabinet typically consists of about 10-12 ministers
Welsh Government Cabinet usually has 8-10 ministers
Northern Ireland Executive includes ministers from multiple parties to ensure cross-community representation
Administrative Structures and Oversight
Devolved governments have their own civil service structures to support the administration and implementation of policies
Scottish Government has approximately 5,500 civil servants
Welsh Government employs around 5,000 civil servants
Northern Ireland Civil Service has about 23,000 employees
Committees in each devolved legislature play a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation, government policies, and holding ministers to account
Scottish Parliament has 15 subject committees and 2 mandatory committees
Senedd Cymru has 7 policy and legislation committees
Northern Ireland Assembly has 9 statutory committees corresponding to executive departments
Secretary of State for each nation represents the UK government's interests and facilitates communication between devolved and central governments
Secretary of State for Scotland
Secretary of State for Wales
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Electoral Systems: Devolved vs Westminster
Mixed and Proportional Systems in Devolved Nations
Scottish Parliament and Welsh Parliament both use the Additional Member System (AMS) a mixed electoral system combining First Past the Post (FPTP) and proportional representation elements
Under AMS voters cast two ballots one for a constituency representative (FPTP) and another for a regional party list ensuring a degree of proportionality in the final seat allocation
In Scotland 73 MSPs elected by FPTP and 56 by regional lists
In Wales 40 MSs elected by FPTP and 20 by regional lists
Northern Ireland Assembly uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system a form of proportional representation where voters rank candidates in order of preference
STV in Northern Ireland aims to ensure fair representation of different communities and political parties promoting power-sharing and cross-community cooperation
Voters rank candidates in multi-member constituencies (usually electing 5 or 6 MLAs)
Comparison with Westminster and Electoral Implications
Electoral systems for devolved governments differ from the FPTP system used for UK general elections reflecting a desire for greater proportionality and representation of diverse views
Voter turnout and party representation patterns in devolved elections often differ from those in UK-wide elections influenced by regional issues and identities
Devolved elections typically have lower turnout than UK general elections (Scotland 2021: 63.5%, Wales 2021: 46.6%, Northern Ireland 2022: 63.6%)
Regional parties ( in Scotland in Wales) often perform better in devolved elections
Electoral systems in devolved governments have implications for coalition-building government formation and the representation of smaller parties and independent candidates
More frequent coalition or minority governments in devolved nations
Greater representation of Green parties and independents in devolved legislatures
Legislative Powers of Devolved Governments
Devolution Models and Policy Areas
Devolution arrangements follow different models the Scottish Parliament has a "" model while the Welsh Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly follow a "conferred powers" model
Reserved powers model all powers devolved unless specifically reserved to Westminster
Conferred powers model only specified powers devolved to the legislature
Key devolved policy areas typically include health education housing agriculture and aspects of economic development and
Health include NHS management public health and social care
Education devolved powers cover schools universities and skills training
Housing devolved powers encompass social housing planning and homelessness policies
Extent of devolved powers varies between nations with Scotland having the most extensive devolved powers including limited tax-raising abilities
Scotland can set income tax rates and bands control air passenger duty and assign VAT revenues
Wales has more limited tax powers including control over land transaction tax and landfill disposal tax
Northern Ireland has power over corporation tax rates but this has not been implemented
Reserved Powers and Intergovernmental Relations
Some policy areas such as foreign affairs defense and macroeconomic policy remain reserved to the UK Parliament for all devolved nations
Foreign affairs includes international relations EU relations and international trade
Defense covers armed forces national security and nuclear energy
Macroeconomic policy includes currency fiscal and monetary policy and regulation of financial services
Wales Act 2017 and Scotland Act 2016 have expanded the powers of their respective parliaments including greater control over taxation and welfare
Wales gained powers over energy transport and elections
Scotland received new powers over welfare employment support and offshore oil and gas licensing
Legislative Consent Motions (Sewel Convention) govern the relationship between devolved legislatures and Westminster on matters affecting devolved competencies
Convention states Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without consent
Not legally binding but politically significant for maintaining devolution settlement
Inter-governmental relations and mechanisms like the Joint Ministerial Committee facilitate cooperation and dispute resolution between devolved and central governments on shared or overlapping policy areas
Regular meetings between UK and devolved ministers
Frameworks for cooperation on issues like internal market and international obligations post-Brexit
Effectiveness of Devolved Government Services
Policy Innovation and Divergence
Devolution has allowed for policy divergence and innovation enabling tailored approaches to local needs in areas such as healthcare and education
Scotland introduced free personal care for the elderly and free university tuition
Wales implemented a plastic bag charge and opt-out organ donation system
Northern Ireland maintained free prescriptions when they were introduced in England
Effectiveness of devolved governments can be measured through various indicators including public satisfaction surveys economic performance metrics and health and education outcomes
Scottish Government performance framework measures progress against national outcomes
Welsh Government publishes annual well-being reports
Northern Ireland Executive produces outcomes delivery plan
Challenges and Constraints
Fiscal constraints and the block grant system (Barnett formula) impact the ability of devolved governments to fund and deliver public services effectively
Barnett formula determines changes to devolved budgets based on changes in English spending
Policy successes and failures in devolved nations have led to policy learning and transfer both within the UK and internationally
Scottish minimum alcohol pricing adopted by Wales and considered by other countries
Welsh Foundation Phase early years education model influenced early years policy elsewhere
COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the strengths and limitations of devolved governance in responding to major crises and delivering essential services
Devolved nations able to tailor lockdown measures and support packages
Challenges in coordinating UK-wide response and vaccine rollout
Challenges in service delivery include managing cross-border issues ensuring equitable access to services and balancing divergent policies with UK-wide standards
Cross-border healthcare arrangements between England and Wales
Ensuring consistent qualifications and professional standards across the UK
Effectiveness of devolved governments influenced by factors such as political stability public engagement and the capacity to implement and evaluate policies
Scottish and Welsh governments' emphasis on participatory policy-making (Citizens' Assemblies)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Carwyn Jones: Carwyn Jones is a Welsh politician who served as the First Minister of Wales from 2009 to 2018, representing the Welsh Labour Party. His leadership played a significant role in shaping the devolved government in Wales, particularly in areas such as education, health, and social services, reflecting the broader structure and functions of devolved governments within the UK.
Devolved Powers: Devolved powers refer to the transfer of certain legislative and administrative authorities from the central government to regional or local governments within a country. This system allows regions to make decisions on specific issues like education, health, and transportation, enabling a more tailored approach to governance that reflects local needs and priorities.
Donald Dewar: Donald Dewar was a prominent Scottish politician and a key figure in the establishment of the Scottish Parliament following devolution in the late 1990s. As the first First Minister of Scotland, he played a crucial role in shaping the structure and functions of devolved government, advocating for greater autonomy and representation for Scotland within the UK framework.
Dup: Dup, short for 'Democratic Unionist Party', is a political party in Northern Ireland that was founded in 1971. It has played a significant role in the governance of Northern Ireland, particularly within the context of devolved government, advocating for unionism and traditional values while often aligning with conservative and nationalist sentiments in broader UK politics.
Education policy: Education policy refers to the set of laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the education system and dictate how educational institutions operate. This includes decisions on funding, curriculum standards, teacher qualifications, and student assessments. In the context of devolved governments, education policy plays a crucial role as it is often tailored to meet the unique needs of different regions, allowing local authorities to address specific challenges and opportunities within their education systems.
Government of Wales Act 1998: The Government of Wales Act 1998 was a key piece of legislation that established a devolved Welsh Assembly, granting it powers to legislate on various local matters. This act marked a significant step in the process of devolution in the UK, allowing Wales to have its own government structure and functions while still being part of the broader UK political framework.
Healthcare management: Healthcare management refers to the administration and organization of healthcare systems, focusing on improving efficiency, quality of care, and patient outcomes. This involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and overseeing operations within healthcare institutions, ensuring that services meet the needs of the population served. Effective healthcare management is crucial in a devolved system where local governments have specific responsibilities and powers regarding health services.
Intergovernmental relations: Intergovernmental relations refer to the interactions and collaborations between different levels of government, particularly in a multi-tiered system like that of the UK, where power is shared between the central government and devolved governments. This concept encompasses the ways in which these governments communicate, negotiate, and work together to manage shared responsibilities, address policy issues, and distribute resources effectively. Understanding these relations is crucial for grasping how devolved governments operate alongside Westminster and how their structures and functions are shaped by their interactions.
Local government: Local government refers to the administrative bodies that govern smaller, specific areas within a country, such as counties, cities, towns, or districts. These entities have the authority to make decisions and manage services that cater to the needs of their local populations, contributing to the overall structure and functions of devolved governments.
Northern Ireland Assembly: The Northern Ireland Assembly is a devolved legislature established to govern Northern Ireland, functioning since its creation in 1998 under the Good Friday Agreement. It plays a key role in the region's political framework, allowing local representatives to make decisions on various issues while maintaining a relationship with Westminster.
Plaid Cymru: Plaid Cymru, also known as the Party of Wales, is a Welsh nationalist political party that advocates for the interests of Wales and its people. The party aims to promote Welsh identity, language, and culture while seeking greater autonomy and self-governance for Wales within the UK framework. It plays a significant role in the electoral process and impacts the governance structures following devolution.
Primary Legislation: Primary legislation refers to laws that are enacted by a legislative body, typically Parliament, which have the highest legal authority in a jurisdiction. This type of legislation is crucial as it establishes the framework for governance, including the powers of local and devolved governments. It also sets out the principles and rules that guide policy-making and implementation, making it foundational for understanding how various levels of government interact and function.
Reserved Powers: Reserved powers are those powers that are not explicitly granted to the central government by the constitution and are instead reserved for the states or devolved administrations. In the context of the UK, this means powers that remain under the jurisdiction of Westminster and are not transferred to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, reflecting a division of authority that influences governance and political relationships.
Scotland Act 1998: The Scotland Act 1998 is a key piece of legislation that established the devolved Scottish Parliament and transferred a range of powers from the UK Parliament to Scotland. This act marked a significant step in the devolution of powers within the UK, allowing Scotland to have greater control over its own affairs and shaping the relationship between the Scottish government and Westminster.
Scottish Parliament: The Scottish Parliament is a devolved legislature established in 1999 that represents the interests of the people of Scotland and has the authority to legislate on a range of domestic issues. It plays a crucial role in the governance of Scotland, working alongside the UK Parliament at Westminster, and highlights the complexities of devolution in the UK.
SNP: The SNP, or Scottish National Party, is a political party in Scotland that advocates for Scottish independence and represents the interests of the Scottish people. Founded in 1934, the SNP has become a dominant force in Scottish politics, promoting policies aimed at self-governance, social justice, and economic development within Scotland's devolved government framework.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority and power of a state to govern itself without external interference. This concept is crucial in understanding the dynamics of political power, particularly in relation to the relationships between different levels of government and how authority is exercised within a state.
Subsidiarity: Subsidiarity is a principle in governance that holds that matters ought to be handled by the smallest, least centralized competent authority. It emphasizes that decisions should be made at the local level whenever possible, promoting local autonomy and encouraging community involvement in governance. This principle influences the relationship between different levels of government, affecting how power and responsibilities are distributed, particularly in contexts of devolution and the functioning of devolved governments.
Transport: Transport refers to the systems and methods used to facilitate the movement of people and goods from one place to another. In the context of devolved governments, transport policies and infrastructure management are vital as they influence regional development, connectivity, and the overall economy of an area.
Welsh Parliament: The Welsh Parliament, also known as Senedd Cymru, is the devolved legislature of Wales, responsible for making decisions on a range of issues including health, education, and local government. Established in 1999, it operates under the framework of devolved government in the UK, granting Wales a degree of legislative autonomy while remaining part of the United Kingdom.