Article

Devolution in England

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

government-and-politics paper-1 devolution

How likely do you think it is that the UK will cease to exist in your lifetime?

  • The UK moved from a unitary state to a quasi-federal one
  • The West Lothian question proposed a question about split MP control

Quote

“Ours is a country with deep divides - borne largely from out uniquely centralised system of governance. Devolution offers a powerful tonic. Yet the process of devolution in England outside of London has been slow and opaque., leaving a patchwork quilt with gaping holes in it”

Key drivers for the potential dissolution

  • Scottish independence - long-term, consistent support for independence remains a major unresolved issue since the 2014 referendum
  • Brexit - has created a trade border in the Irish Sea, intensifying debates over a “border poll” for a united Ireland
  • Welsh nationalism - while previously a minority position, support for Welsh independence is rising
  • Economic centralisation - the UK is considered one of Europe’s most geographically unequal countries, with London-centric policies causing resentment in other regions

Senedd Voting Intention.png

Definition

Green Paper: The intention of the government to do something Preliminary papers, lead to a white paper. ‘new ideas’ White Paper: The almost drafted bill representing an idea. ‘pretty solid’, ‘nearly there’ To spark debate, deliberation, public consideration.

Forms of devolution within England

“patchwork”

  • Combined authorities
    • Will replace unitary councils and district, borough, and city councils
  • London boroughs
    • Controls everything for London
    • Total power
    • Basically a unitary council
  • City mayors
  • County councils
    • Cover most of the country
    • Leads to two-tier government
  • Unitary councils aka. a big council
    • Controls stuff such as healthcare and transport
    • This will change under the upcoming bill
  • Metropolitan boroughs
    • Very few - mostly in the north
    • Similar to unitary councils
  • District, borough, and city councils
    • More focused areas, two-tier clashes with county councils

Police and crime commissioner elections have been scrapped due to poor turnout.

  • Merseyside - 23%
  • Lincolnshire - 19%
  • Lester - 21%
  • Humberside - 18%

Mayors currently hold significant soft power - even though they are not able to do something, they are able to apply political pressure for it to occur.