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Chapter 5: The UK Government, the Law, and Your Role

Devolution

The transfer of powers from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and Northern Ireland Assembly, allowing them to make decisions on certain issues.

4 min read
Exam Topic
Based on official handbook (3rd edition)

Key Facts

Scotland
Scottish Parliament (Holyrood, Edinburgh)
Wales
Welsh Senedd (Cardiff Bay)
N. Ireland
NI Assembly (Stormont, Belfast)
England
No devolved parliament
Devolved
Health, education, environment

Devolution is the transfer of power from the UK Parliament in Westminster to the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each nation now has its own elected body to make decisions on local matters.

The Devolved Bodies

Scotland - Scottish Parliament - **Location**: Holyrood, Edinburgh - **Members**: 129 MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) - **Powers**: Health, education, law, transport, environment, some taxes - **Established**: 1999

Wales - Welsh Senedd (Senedd Cymru) - **Location**: Cardiff Bay - **Members**: 60 MSs (Members of the Senedd) - **Powers**: Health, education, environment, local government, some taxes - **Established**: 1999

Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland Assembly - **Location**: Stormont, Belfast - **Members**: 90 MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) - **Powers**: Health, education, agriculture, justice - **Established**: 1998 (Good Friday Agreement)

Reserved vs Devolved Powers

Reserved (kept by Westminster) - Defence and armed forces - Foreign policy - Immigration - Social security (mostly) - The constitution

Devolved (local control) - Health and NHS - Education - Housing - Local government - Some taxation

England

England does not have its own parliament or assembly. English matters are decided by the UK Parliament at Westminster.

📝Why This Appears on the Test

Know the three devolved bodies, where they are located, and examples of devolved powers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Thinking England has its own parliament
  • Confusing the location of each parliament
  • Not knowing which powers are devolved

Devolution FAQ

Related Topics to Study

This content is based on the official "Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents" (3rd edition) published by the UK Home Office. Content is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy. For the most current test requirements, always check the official GOV.UK website.

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