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Spatial aspects of devolution in the UK: The case of England
Author(s) -
Parr John B.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
regional science policy and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.342
H-Index - 8
ISSN - 1757-7802
DOI - 10.1111/rsp3.12146
Subject(s) - devolution (biology) , metropolitan area , politics , public administration , geography , political science , regional science , economic geography , law , archaeology , human evolution
After surveying the various forms of devolution, attention is drawn to the arrangements for the devolution of certain powers to local authorities in particular areas of England. These can be grouped into three spatial levels: the metropolitan county; the non‐metropolitan county; and the region. Although the devolved powers (in terms of particular functions or services) are similar, their depth and complexity varies across spatial levels. The major historical and political characteristics of each spatial level are discussed, together with the associated benefits and limitations of devolution. The conditions under which devolution to different levels may take place are then examined. The overall effect of the programme in England will inevitably cause the devolution landscape of the UK to assume an increasingly uneven structure.