Since 1997, the central government has handed some of its powers to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is called devolution, and the powers are devolved: people there get more say over the things that affect them directly. The Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament have existed since 1999. Northern Ireland has the Northern Ireland Assembly, although it has been suspended several times.
So which decisions stay in London, and which are made locally?
UK government
Kept by the central UK government: defence, foreign affairs, immigration, taxation and social security (state benefits)
Devolved
Many other public services are run by the devolved governments, for example education
Each of the three devolved administrations also has its own civil service.
Where the four legislatures meet, and what their members are called. Test questions like to mix up MP, MSP, AM and MLA, so link each one to its place and you won't get them confused. The Northern Ireland Assembly has 108 MLAs.
Quiz
Which TWO areas of policy stay under the control of the UK government, and are not devolved?
Central government keeps five areas: defence, foreign affairs, immigration, taxation and social security. Education and health are both handled by the devolved bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
