The three types of devolution, as defined within the UK's devolution framework, are categorized into distinct levels, each granting different scopes of power and governance structures to local authorities.
Devolution in the United Kingdom aims to empower local areas by transferring powers, funding, and responsibilities from central government to local institutions. This framework is structured into three main levels, designed to allow flexibility based on local ambition and capacity.
Understanding the Devolution Levels
The three levels of devolution offer a progressive scale of autonomy and responsibility:
| Devolution Level | Governance Structure | Scope of Powers |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Single institution or County Council with a directly elected mayor (DEM) | Broad powers over strategic areas like transport, economic development, housing, and skills, across a functional economic area (FEA) or whole county area. Offers the highest degree of autonomy. |
| Level 2 | Single institution or County Council without a directly elected mayor | Significant powers over areas such as transport, economic development, and skills, across a functional economic area (FEA) or whole county area, but typically with less extensive powers than Level 3. |
| Level 1 | Single local authority or groups of local authorities working collaboratively, without a directly elected mayor | More focused powers and responsibilities over specific, targeted policy areas within their existing structures, often including areas like local transport or infrastructure projects. |
Detailed Explanation of Each Type
The framework categorizes devolution agreements into three distinct levels, each reflecting a different degree of transferred power and local governance:
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Level 3 Devolution: This is the most comprehensive form of devolution. It involves a single institution or County Council with a directly elected mayor (DEM), across a functional economic area (FEA) or whole county area. Agreements at this level typically grant the broadest range of powers and significant funding, enabling strategic decision-making over areas such as transport, economic development, housing, and adult education. The presence of a directly elected mayor provides clear accountability and strong leadership for the region. Examples include combined authorities in major city regions like Greater Manchester or West Midlands.
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Level 2 Devolution: This level represents a substantial transfer of powers but does not include the requirement for a directly elected mayor. It involves A single institution or County Council without a DEM, across a FEA or whole county area. While still encompassing significant responsibilities in areas like transport, skills, and economic growth, the governance structure is typically led by a leader and cabinet model or a committee system, rather than an elected mayor. This level offers considerable flexibility for areas that prefer a collaborative leadership approach without a single figurehead.
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Level 1 Devolution: The foundational level of devolution, this type is designed for single local authorities, or groups of local authorities working together, to take on specific powers and responsibilities, without the need for a directly elected mayor. These agreements typically focus on more targeted policy areas or specific projects within the existing local government structures. Powers might include more localized control over infrastructure, certain aspects of public services, or tailored funding for specific community initiatives. Level 1 allows local areas to begin their devolution journey with more limited, but still impactful, responsibilities.
These levels provide a structured approach for central government to negotiate with local areas, ensuring that the scope of devolved powers aligns with local ambitions, capacity, and the chosen governance model.
