ABSTRACT
Devolution is the process of transferring some powers and responsibilities from central government to a regional government. A regional government can be likened to ‘big local government’ and may be based on a geographical region or area. The victory of the Labour Party in the 1997 General Election produced referendums in Scotland and Wales which both led to the establishment of devolved regional authorities. There have subsequently been further discussions of varying intensity relating to the question of devolution. However, at the start of 2003, issues relating to devolution began to be more seriously debated when the Government launched a widespread consultation exercise to test citizens’ attitudes towards regional devolution. Citizens are, at the time of writing, being encouraged to send their views to a new Whitehall website at www.local-regions.odpm.gov.uk/consult/assemblybill/index.htm which is the first stage in a process that could see local referendums in October 2004. Depending on the outcome of these consultations, there is a possibility that eight regional assemblies could be created. These regional assemblies would take into account the ‘identities and interests of local communities’ whilst achieving ‘effective and convenient local government’. Although the Government does not envisage these regional authorities replacing local county councils, they would have tax-varying powers and some would have a degree of
responsibility for planning, transport, waste, housing and tourism. They would be funded by a direct grant from government and would consist of between 25 and 35 directly elected members.
