How could the new devolution study affect the UK government's policy planning?
Devolution study may force government to redefine policy principles and funding commitments The comprehensive study on social security devolution across the four UK nations suggests that while devolution can tailor support to local needs, poorly managed localization can lead to negative outcomes, such as legal challenges and the return of 'cliff-edges' in benefits. Therefore, the study recommends that the forthcoming white paper must establish underpinning principles for devolved domains and commit to funding devolved powers properly. Furthermore, it calls for the creation of mechanisms allowing various governments and local leaders to collaborate and learn from each other's approaches.
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How it reaches government
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A major study was released that examines the relationship between devolution and social security across all four nations of the UK. John Healey discussed plans for what he called the most radical act of devolution in a generation. This includes devolving income generation from business rates to mayoral authorities and creating new devolution deals in 10 areas of England.
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The study, 'Safety Nets,' examined how the design, delivery, and experience of social security differ across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It found that support controlled by local authorities accounted for just 1.2 per cent of total UK government spending on social security in 2024-25, showing the system is already 'quietly rewired' in various ways. The study concludes that to avoid issues like 'austerity dumping' or legal challenges stemming from poorly localized policies (such as Council Tax Reduction since 2013), the government must apply its lessons. This requires the forthcoming white paper to state underpinning principles for devolved domains and commit to funding devolved powers properly.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- prospectmagazine.co.uk Thursday
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The facts so far
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- Support controlled by local authorities accounted for just 1.2 per cent of total UK government spending on social security in 2024-25.prospectmagazine.co.uk
- Since 2013, every English council has had to design its own means test for Council Tax Reduction, leading to legal challenges.prospectmagazine.co.uk
- Scotland runs its own social security agency and has its own payments, such as the Scottish Child Payment.prospectmagazine.co.uk
- The study recommends creating mechanisms for the UK’s various governments and local leaders to work together and learn from each other.prospectmagazine.co.uk
Why it matters
The government faces a critical juncture regarding the future of the UK's administrative structure. While radical devolution is being championed, the study provides a detailed warning that decentralization without proper resources or clear rules can lead to inconsistent, legally challenged, and potentially less generous schemes across the UK. The stakes are high, as the way social security is delivered affects millions of people's financial stability and access to support.
This is not a new debate; social security has been 'quietly rewired' piece by piece for over a decade. The study highlights that while some areas, like Scotland’s approach to disability benefits, show good practice, others, like local crisis support, have been historically underfunded and overloaded. The findings challenge the assumption that devolution is inherently beneficial, arguing instead for a deeper understanding of the existing settlement before making further changes.
What we don't know yet
- Will the forthcoming white paper commit to the necessary funding for devolved powers?
- What specific mechanisms will be created to ensure different UK governments and local leaders can effectively learn from each other?
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Reporting
- prospectmagazine.co.ukThursday
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