Devolution in the UK

Derek Birrell is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster.Paul Carmichael is Professor of Public Policy and Government at the University of Ulster.Deirdre Heenan is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster.

Covering the impact of austerity, Brexit, the Scottish Independence Referendum and the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive, this book discusses how wider national developments shape and are shaped by the process of devolution in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, assessing its impact on politics, policy and public administration. Drawing together extensive scholarship on devolution, Devolution in the UK compares the similarities and differences between the different devolved nations, and tackles key questions: Where did devolution come from, and what does its future look like? What are the most effective devolution systems, and what are their benefits? Why does Wales have fewer devolved powers than Scotland and Northern Ireland? What impact will Brexit have? Why are national identities, symbols, languages, flags and culture so important?Spanning the introduction of devolution in 1988 to the present, this is essential reading if you are studying devolution, one of the country-specific political systems, or interested in UK politics as a whole.

Takes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from politics, governance, and public policy

1. Introduction2. The meaning and foundation of devolution3. The growth in Scotland's powers4. Fiscal devolution5. Political parties and systems6. Devolved political institutions7. Policy outcomes: divergence and convergence8. Devolution and new models of public administration9. Devolution, localism and partnerships10. Intergovernmental relations: co-operation and conflict11. Conclusions