Devolution
We examine the effectiveness of devolution across the UK and the relationships between national and devolved government.
Key topics
See allMetro mayors
Metro mayors are directly elected regional leaders who chair combined authorities. But what do they do?
English devolution
What is the history of English devolution? How much of England has devolution? Which powers are devolved?
Senedd Cymru (Welsh parliament)
The Senedd Cymru (Welsh parliament) in Cardiff is the devolved legislature of Wales.
Local and mayoral elections 2024
On Thursday 2 May, voters across England and Wales headed to the polls in a major set of mayoral and local elections. Keep up with our latest content, events and analysis on why these elections matter and the results.
Find out moreDevolution 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.
IfG at the Conservative Party Conference 2024
Join us in Birmingham for a series of fringe events on industrial strategy, devolution, public services, net zero and more.
IfG at the Labour Party Conference 2024
Join us in Liverpool for a series of fringe events on industrial strategy, devolution, public services, net zero and more.
Local and mayoral elections 2024: Why they matter and what to look out for
Sir John Curtice and Sarah Calkin joined IfG experts to discuss what is at stake and what to expect in the elections on 2 May.
Does London need a new devolution deal?
As the May 2024 mayoral elections approached, this IfG event explored whether more powers should be devolved to London.
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 reportOur explainers
Trailblazer devolution deals
What are trailblazer devolution deals and what powers will they devolve to combined authorities?
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.
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.
Intergovernmental relations
How do officials and ministers across the UK cooperate and resolve disputes?
Our devolution team
Akash Paun
Programme Director
Six things we learned from the 2024 King’s Speech
Matthew Fright
Senior Researcher
Vaughan Gething’s successor as Welsh first minister faces three key challenges
Briony Allen
Research Assistant
Vaughan Gething’s successor as Welsh first minister faces three key challenges
Millie Mitchell
Researcher