UK Devolution Glossary 24-02-2026

Word	Definition
Asymmetry	Imbalance of powers
Unitary	Singular, one
Devolution	The decomposition of power, being broken down into smaller, more local bodies.
Sovereignty	The idea of ‘individualism,’ having no higher authoritative body and being self-determined.
Reserved powers	Authority and legislative matters ‘retained’ (kept) by a central government (UK – Westminster), I.e., policy over defence.
Local councils	A form of local government, manages essential services for both residents and businesses. This includes waste management, build planning, and education.
Northern Ireland Assembly	Brought about after the Good Friday agreement in 1998. An example of devolution. Represents Northern Ireland as a nation.
Scotland Act 1998	Gave Scotland a parliament, the “Scottish Parliament”, and an administration.
Scotland Act 2012	Amended the Scotland Act 1998 to give further significant legal and functional powers.
Scotland Act 2016	Amended the Scotland Act 1998 to give further financial powers.
Scottish Parliament	An example of devolution – a more local representation of government in Scotland. From the Scotland Act 1998. Represents Scotland as a nation.
Wales Act 1998	Established a Welsh Parliament.
Welsh Parliament	An example of devolution – a local devolved body for Wales, representing it whole as a nation.
West Lothian Question	’Should Scottish parliament members be able to vote in Parliament?’