Devolution and federalism in England

Abstract

This paper is concerned with current moves toward sub-national devolution in England and the prospects for a federal government system within the United Kingdom as a whole. The initial focus of the paper is upon the contested nature and governance of regions in England. Current steps toward devolution to such regions are considered through a critical lens, before moving to a wider discussion of the theory and practice of federalism and of whether England could be part of a federal system of UK government. It is concluded that the devolution agenda may proceed in a more serious and consistent manner than at present but there are severe barriers to federalism, including major constitutional constraints, the lack of a written constitution, significant asymmetry between different nations of the UK, the lack of clarity about the definition of sub-national English regions and the lack of political will. These all render a true UK federal state impossible to envisage.

Keywords:

• Combined authorities
• devolution
• elected mayors
• federalism
• local governance

Notes

* Established in 2014, the North East Combined Authority (NECA) consists of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John Fenwick

John Fenwick is Professor Emeritus of Leadership and Public Management, Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, UK.

Howard Elcock

The late Howard Elcock was Professor Emeritus of Government at Northumbria University, UK.