Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardDevolved Powers in Wales

The governance of Wales within the United Kingdom is structured through a system of devolution, where the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) has been granted the authority to make laws on specific subjects that affect the daily lives of people living in Wales. While many domestic responsibilities have been transferred to the Welsh Government, other fundamental areas of policy remain 'reserved' and are the sole responsibility of the UK Parliament at Westminster. Based on the division of powers described in the official handbook, which of the following policy areas is a devolved responsibility of the Senedd?

  1. Social servicesAnswer
  2. B
    Social security and benefits
  3. C
    The police and the justice system
  4. D
    Immigration and nationality

Answer

Social services is a devolved power under the authority of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament).
The correct answer is correct because social services are explicitly listed in the official handbook as a devolved area where the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) has the power to pass laws. This reflects the Welsh Government's responsibility for managing local welfare and support systems.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the policy area that is devolved to Wales according to the official handbook.
The handbook lists education and training, health and social services, local government, and social services as key devolved areas for Wales.
This establishes the factual basis for Welsh legislative competence.
2
Distinguish between 'social services' and 'social security'.
Social services (care and support) are devolved, while social security (financial benefits) is a reserved power of the UK Parliament.
This prevents confusion between two conceptually similar but legally distinct policy areas.
3
Compare the Welsh devolution model with other UK nations.
While Scotland has its own legal and justice system, Wales shares its system with England, meaning police and justice remain reserved to Westminster.
This highlights the specific limits of Welsh devolution compared to Scotland.

Key Concept

The Senedd's devolved legislative competence is restricted to specific domestic policy areas like social services, while fundamental matters like justice, security, and benefits remain reserved to the UK Parliament.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Devolved Powers in Wales

More questions from this topic