Devolution in Practice: Public policy differences within the UK

Article

Devolution is not a dry constitutional reform, of interest only to the Westminster village or the new policy elite of Scotland and Wales. It has an enormous impact upon a wide range of policy areas such as schools, hospitals, and economic regeneration.

We are familiar with the headline differences of devolution: tuition fees and free personal long-term care in Scotland, abolition of school league tables in Wales and Northern Ireland, and proposed congestion charges in London. But these are only the tip of the iceberg. This publication examines devolution in practice, and the implications of public policy differences within the UK.

It also examines broader issues. How do we change the terms of debate, to account for the impact of devolution? Has devolution led to pressure for a new fiscal settlement? What are the next steps for the devolution settlement? How can Whitehall develop its quasi-federal role, and how can it exercise its power to maintain the unity of the UK?

'At a time of profound ongoing changes in central, devolved, regional and quasi-federal government in Britain this stimulating and pioneering study by John Adams and his expert team of co-authors will be warmly welcomed by academics, legislators and all intelligent citizens.' - Kenneth O Morgan, FBA, Queen's College, Oxford

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