 |  | | | What is devolution?Devolution refers to a transfer of power. It is when one parliament gives up some of its power to another organisation like a regional parliament or a local government. In 1997, the UK Parliament transferred some power to the Parliament in Scotland; this means that Scotland has some self-government.
The Westminster Parliament retains the power to make laws about certain things such as defence and foreign affairs, otherwise known as reserved powers, whereas the Scottish Parliament has power over devolved matters such as health and education.
Areas of responsibility of the Scottish Parliament (devolved powers): | | | Health | National Health Service in Scotland | | | Education and Training | Nursery, primary and secondary school
Further and higher education
Training policy and lifelong learning | | | Local Government | Funding
Elections
Social work and housing | | | Economic Development | Promotion of tourism
Inward investment | | | Transport | Passenger and road transport | | | Law | Criminal law and procedures, excluding drugs and firearms
Civil Law
Courts and Procurator Fiscal (crown prosecutor)
Police, prisons and fire services | | | Environment | Environmental protection
Flood prevention and coastal protection
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Sports and the arts | | | Tax | The Scottish Parliament can raise or lower the basic rate of tax by three pence in the pound |
Areas of responsibility of the Westminster Parliament (reserved powers):
Defence
Foreign affairs
Central economic policies
Social security
Constitutional matters
Energy
Immigration
Drug and firearms control
Medical Ethics
Equal Opportunities |
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