Devolution in Practice 2010

Article

This book, the third in ippr's Devolution in Practice series, explores how devolution has changed the United Kingdom, identifying where policy is diverging and converging across the four nations, and the implications of this for the future of the Union.

Devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was a landmark reform, but one born in relatively benign economic and political circumstances. The picture today could not be more different, following political upheaval and a rapid transformation in the economic sphere. The prospect of deep cuts to public spending is likely to put questions about resource allocation across the UK high on the public and political agendas and the strength of the devolution settlement will be tested in the coming years.

Devolution in Practice 2010 is divided into four parts.

  • Part 1: Devolution and social citizenship
  • Part 2: Devolution in a downturn
  • Part 3: Public services and social policy
  • Part 4: Devolution and delivery.

'In this seriously authoritative and invaluable study ippr has assembled leading experts in their field to reflect on the impact devolution has had on the UK over the last decade. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of the UK.'

Dr Anthony Seldon

'ippr and ippr north have led the field in researching policy differences across the UK following the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This landmark publication provides the most comprehensive assessment of the policy consequences of devolution to date, as well as looking forward to a period of political and economic uncertainty that is likely to test the devolution settlement.'

Professor Iain McLean, Official Fellow in Politics, Nuffield College and Professor of Politics, University of Oxford

Read contributor Alan Trench's post on the Devolution Matters blog: http://devolutionmatters.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/devolution-in-practice-2010-published/

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