Building sub-national government
The best of Democratic Audit’s 2014 coverage of Scotland’s democratic future
2014 was a momentous year for democracy north of the border, with long serving Alex Salmond stepping down to be replaced by the first female First Minister Nichola Sturgeon. More dramatically still, the country decided its future, opting to stay within the UK, despite a spirited ‘Yes’ campaign which can legimitamtely claim to have changed […]
Economic and financial crises can change the dynamics of federal relationships
Economic recession and soaring deficits in the wake of the recent fiscal and economic crisis do not only ask for intelligent fiscal policies but need also coordinated efforts in federal states in order to forego contradictory and inefficient fiscal reactions to the crisis. Dietmar Braun and Philipp Trein have investigated eleven federations to discover what extent […]
If implemented in full, the Smith Commission report will provide Scotland with a welcome range of new powers
The Smith Commission which looked at future options for the governance of Scotland in the post referendum landscape. Norman Bonney assesses the document, looking at its proposals on local governance, Air Passenger Duty, the continuing UK framework, and the new respective roles of the Scottish Parliament and Government, concluding that the range of powers offered are […]
The North of England needs a devo-max government. Here’s why
The Chancellor George Osborne recently announced the creation of a combined Greater Manchester Mayor, despite the rejection of a similar mayoral system for the Manchester local government area. Michael Dawson of Campaign for the North argues that Osborne’s proposals miss the point, and that what is needed is a devo-max Government with tax raising powers […]
The changing relationship between England and Scotland could confuse equality provision north of the border
Is the Smith Commission report on the future of the governance of Scotland ‘woman friendly’? Christine Bell carries out a ‘gender audit’ of the document, and concludes that equality provision may become confused owing to the changing balance of legislative power between Holyrood and Westminster. Similar PostsDesigning a new parliament with women in mindThis May be […]
The Smith Commission Report is short, but packs a big punch
The Smith Commission recently announced its recommendations for the future of Scottish governance. Iain McLean argues that the Commission has astutely wrought concessions from the main political parties involved, and packs quite a punch for a short (28 page) document. The Report of the Smith Commission on further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament […]
It will not be easy, but the creation of an English Parliament gives the Union the best chance of a long-term settlement
The publication of the Smith Commission, and David Cameron’s proposals for English votes for English laws (EVEL) has put the spotlight back on the future of English governance. James Dennison argues that there is a simple solution to the constitutional chaos in the UK: an English parliament. Similar PostsAudit 2017: How democratic is local government […]
20 things we learned about democracy in November 2014
Traditionally, November isn’t a particularly pleasant month, with autumn giving way to winter, and Christmas just too far away to provide any real solace. But did we learn anything about democracy that might cheer us up? Democratic Audit’s Sean Kippin does his best to do just that, bringing us factoids about white vans, immigration, Prime […]
In constructing her first Cabinet, Nicola Sturgeon has shown a commitment to sending ‘a strong, positive message to girls and young women’
Nicola Sturgeon recently announced her new Cabinet. Following her selection as Scotland’s first female First Minister, she told the Scottish Parliament that she hoped her presence in the top job would send ‘a strong, positive message to girls and young women – indeed, to all women – across our land’. But, asks Emily Andrews, is the composition of […]
The vow delivered? Experts respond to the publication of the Smith Commission’s recommendations
The Smith Commission, the body tasked with recommending reforms to the governance of Scotland recently released its final report. Democratic Audit asked Scottish constitutional and political experts John Curtice, Katie Boyle and Stephen Tierney, and Sionaidh Douglas-Scott to respond. (Part 1 can be found here). Similar PostsTo appreciate the importance of the Brexit referendum, we must […]
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