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Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Scotland

Under the current system of devolution in the United Kingdom, certain domestic policy areas are managed by the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. If the Scottish government wanted to introduce a new law regarding housing and local planning, which institution would have the authority to pass this legislation?

  1. The Scottish ParliamentAnswer
  2. B
    The UK Parliament at Westminster
  3. C
    The Home Office
  4. D
    The Welsh Senedd

Answer

The Scottish Parliament
The correct answer is the Scottish Parliament because housing, local government, and planning are specifically listed as devolved powers in the Official Life in the UK Handbook. This means the Parliament in Edinburgh has the autonomy to create and pass laws on these topics for Scotland.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the policy area in question.
The policy area is housing and local planning in Scotland.
Determining the subject matter is the first step in identifying whether a power is devolved or reserved.
2
Classify the policy area as devolved or reserved.
Housing is a 'devolved' matter.
Under the devolution agreements, domestic issues like housing, health, and education are handled by the devolved administrations.
3
Select the appropriate legislative body for the location.
The Scottish Parliament (Holyrood).
Since the matter is devolved and the location is Scotland, the Scottish Parliament holds the authority.

Key Concept

The Scottish Parliament has 'devolved' powers over domestic issues such as housing, education, and health, while the UK Parliament retains 'reserved' powers.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Devolved Powers in Scotland

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