What is devolution?
Devolution is the transfer of powers from the UK Parliament at Westminster to elected bodies in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of England. These bodies decide on areas such as health, education and transport. Westminster keeps powers over defence, foreign policy and most of the economy.
Devolution was introduced after referendums in 1997 and 1998. The Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, opened in 1999. The Northern Ireland Assembly was created by the Good Friday Agreement. Each nation has its own government led by a First Minister, and powers have grown over time, including some tax powers. Northern Ireland's institutions have been suspended several times since 1998.
Devolved governments run most domestic services. That is why prescriptions are free in Scotland and Wales but not England, and why university tuition fees differ. Scotland sets its own income tax bands. Matters kept by Westminster are called reserved powers. Westminster keeps the legal power to change devolution, but by convention it does not normally legislate on devolved matters without consent.
In England, devolution has mostly meant elected mayors and combined authorities, such as Greater Manchester. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 created a framework of strategic authorities with more powers over transport, skills and planning. In May 2026 Plaid Cymru took power in Wales and the SNP continued as a minority government in Scotland. Debate continues about English devolution and a possible English parliament.
Much of the left supports devolution as bringing power closer to people, with some backing a federal UK.
The right is mixed, with some backing local control and others warning devolution weakens the Union and adds layers of government.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In Population Decides you can run Scotland as First Minister and make the devolved decisions that Holyrood controls.
Play Population Decides freeCommon questions
When did devolution happen in the UK?
The devolved parliaments and assemblies opened in 1999 after referendums in 1997 and 1998.
Does England have devolution?
England has no parliament of its own, but many areas have elected mayors with devolved powers.
Can Westminster overrule devolved governments?
Legally yes, but by convention it does not normally legislate on devolved matters without consent.
What is devolution?
Westminster handing some powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Devolution passes some powers down, while all four nations stay in the UK.
When were the devolved parliaments and assemblies created?
After referendums in the late 1990s. They were created after referendums in the late 1990s.