Working to make government more effective

Working to make government more effective

Keir Starmer meeting First Minister of Scotland John Swinney at Bute House, Edinburgh, during the PM's tour of the UK following Labour's victory in the 2024 general election

Devolution

We examine the effectiveness of devolution across the UK and the relationships between national and devolved government.

Over the past two decades, an array of powers and funding have been transferred from Whitehall and Westminster to the devolved administrations in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, to the mayor of London and – more recently – to metro mayors in thirteen English regions.

Our research examines the impact and performance of devolved institutions in all parts of the UK. We also consider the state of the union and how the different tiers of government could and should work together. Our events bring together national, devolved and local decision makers to consider these issues. And our analysis develops innovative ways that devolution could be made to work more effectively.

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Local and devolved elections 2026

On Thursday 7 May, voters across Scotland, Wales and England headed to the polls in a major set of local and devolved elections. The IfG followed the campaigns, explaining why these elections matter and analysing the results.

Explore our work
First Minister John Swinney greets Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth ahead of a meeting at Bute House in Edinburgh.

Devolution to England

We evaluate devolution to England’s cities and regions, and make the case for a more coherent approach to English subnational government.

Devolution to Scotland

We scrutinise devolution to Scotland and consider the implications of possible future constitutional change – including Scottish independence.

Devolution to Wales

We consider the case for reform to the powers, funding and status of the Welsh parliament and Welsh government.

Devolution to Northern Ireland

We assess the operation of devolution in Northern Ireland and examine the UK government’s approach to Northern Ireland in light of Brexit.

How the next government should complete the job of English devolution

The English devolution agenda needs a reset. The next government must extend devolution to 85% of England to deliver meaningful and balanced economic growth.

Read the report
The Liverpool skyline at dawn

Our explainers

Our devolution team