Working to make government more effective

Working to make government more effective

Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove and Nicola Sturgeon

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 nine 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.

Key topics

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06 MAR 2023 Explainer

English devolution

What is the history of English devolution? How much of England has devolution? Which powers are devolved?

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.

The art of the devolution deal

Too little attention has been paid to how devolution deals are negotiated and implemented and how Whitehall should support them.

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Angel of the North

How metro mayors can help level up England

The UK government must devolve fuller powers and greater flexibility over spending to metro mayors so that these local leaders can help level up England.

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Tracy Brabin, Andy Burnham, Dan Jarvis

Our explainers

25 NOV 2020 Explainer

Barnett formula

The Barnett formula is used by the UK Treasury to calculate the annual block grants for the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments.

30 MAY 2019 Explainer

Local government

The local government system varies in many ways between the four nations of the UK. We explain the structure and political balance in each nation.

Our devolution team