There is increasing support among people in Scotland for the Scottish Parliament to be granted more power, according to a new study. But it also found a growing perception that the Scottish Parliament has less influence than first thought.
Source: Scotland Votes? Public attitudes towards Scottish Parliament elections, Electoral Commission (020 7271 0500)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
Date: 2002-Dec
A report highlighted areas of concern over plans for elected regional assemblies in England, including plans to take over powers from local councils in areas such as planning and housing, and proposals to force local government re-organisation in areas where elected regional assemblies are being considered.
Source: Charlie Jeffrey and Adrian Reilly, Devolution to the Regions What does it mean for local government in England?, Local Government Association (020 7664 3000) and County Councils Network
Links: Summary | Press release
Date: 2002-Dec
A report brought together a range of contributions to the debate over the future of English regions.
Source: Neil McInroy and Paul Benneworth (eds.), Our Regions, Our Choices, Centre for Local Economic Strategies (0161 236 7036)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary | Press release (Word file)
Date: 2002-Dec
A report revealed significant divides between the deprived and more prosperous communities of Wales, which it said need urgent attention if the integrity of the country is to be sustained.
Source: John Osmond, Divided we Fall: The Politics of Geography in Wales, Institute of Welsh Affairs (029 2057 5511)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Dec
Research found that people in Wales have 'little or no understanding' of what their devolved assembly does: but that they trust Welsh political leaders more than Westminster politicians, and that support for devolution has increased since it was originally approved.
Source: Wales Votes? Public attitudes towards Assembly elections, Electoral Commission (020 7271 0500)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf) | Summary (pdf) (Welsh)
Date: 2002-Dec
A Bill was published, and given a second reading, which would allow referendums to be held on whether regions want to have elected regional assemblies. Local government leaders proposed six tests before regional devolution should proceed.
Source: Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill 2002, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 26.11.02, columns 188-286, TSO (0870 600 5522) | Press release 13.11.02, Local Government Association (020 7664 3000)
Links: Text of Bill | Hansard | LGA press release
Date: 2002-Nov
A review examined what lessons can be learned so far for constructive partnerships between devolved and local authorities. It concluded that, in any future system of regional government, careful synchronisation will be needed of regional-level strategic vision with the expectations of local authorities.
Source: Charlie Jeffery, Devolution: Challenging Local Government?, Foundations 012, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (01904 629241)
Links: JRF Foundations 012
Date: 2002-Nov
An official commission on the powers of, and electoral arrangements for, the National Assembly for Wales published a list of issues for consultation.
Source: The Powers of the National Assembly for Wales: Issues and questions for consultation, Commission on the Powers and Electoral Arrangements of the National Assembly for Wales ('Richard Commission') (029 20 826219)
Links: Consultation document (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Nov
The United Kingdom government announced the immediate suspension of devolved government in Northern Ireland, following worsening difficulties in the peace process.
Source: Press release 14.10.02, Northern Ireland Office (028 9052 0700)
Links: Press release | House of Commons statement
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/1, Digest 121, paragraph 10.4
Date: 2002-Oct
A think-tank pamphlet called for early referendums on the government s proposals for regional assemblies in England; but it called for the proposals to be significantly strengthened, in order to restore the balance of power to the regions.
Source: John Adams and John Tomaney, Restoring the Balance Strengthening the Government s Proposals for Regional Assemblies, Institute for Public Policy Research, available from Central Books (0845 458 9911)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
A new book examined the legal, constitutional and economic questions that would be posed if Scotland chose to become an independent country.
Source: Jo Eric Murkens with Peter Jones and Michael Keating, Scottish Independence - A Practical Guide, Edinburgh University Press (0131 650 4218)
Links: Press release (pdf)
Date: 2002-Sep
The government announced the deregulation of 84 'consent regime' powers, freeing local councils from the need to seek central government permission to take action on a range of local matters.
Source: Press release 3.9.02, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 3000)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
A study found that nearly 50 per cent of Scottish councillors feel that devolution has weakened local government in Scotland.
Source: Michael Bennett, John Fairley and Mark McAteer, Devolution in Scotland: The Impact on Local Government, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings 722
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/3, Digest 123, paragraph 10.4
Date: 2002-Jul
A new book provided a comprehensive picture of the state of regionalism in England. It examined the background to the 'English Question'; outlined factors leading to regionalisation in England; presented a new region by region analysis of the social, economic and political conditions; and considered the arguments for regional government.
Source: John Mawson and John Tomaney (eds.), England: The State of the Regions, Policy Press, available from Marston Book Services (01235 465500)
Links: Summary
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/1, Digest 121, paragraph 10.4
Date: 2002-Jul
A report argued that the limited policy-making capacity of devolved territories may prove a serious constraint on new policies being developed, especially in view of a uniform United Kingdom welfare state.
Source: John Adams and Peter Robinson (eds.), Devolution in Practice: Public Policy Differences within the UK, Institute for Public Policy Research and Economic and Social Research Council, available from Central Books (0845 458 9911)
Links: Summary
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/3, Digest 123, paragraph 10.4
Date: 2002-Jul
A White Paper proposed directly elected regional assemblies for English regions which want them.
Sources: Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions, White Paper Cm 5511, Cabinet Office and Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, 9.5.02, cols. 275-292, TSO
Links: White Paper (pdf) | Hansard
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/1, Digest 121 (paragraph 10.4)
Date: 2002-May
A study assessed how the Welsh Assembly and local government are working together to formulate a new relationship.
Source: M. Laffin et al., A New Partnership? The National Assembly for Wales and Local Government, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings 532 (pdf)
Date: 2002-May