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Devolution Timeline
This is a timeline of selected policy milestones and policy firsts during the modern devolution era – since 1999. It does not include constitutional milestones such as referendums, transfers of power or Brexit-related developments. Instead, it highlights some key policy developments – new laws, taxes, reforms – in or by the devolved governments and parliaments of the United Kingdom. The milestones have been selected by PolicyWISE as a brief overview looking at the three devolved nations together. Each of the UK's parliaments has briefings and information which go into more detail on their respective jurisdictions.
Northern Ireland
Police Service of Northern Ireland replaces the Royal Ulster Constabulary as part of policing reforms.
MoreScotland
Free personal care in Scotland for adults aged 65 or over.
Scotland
Ban on smoking in public places in Scotland.
Wales
Universal free prescriptions in Wales.
Scotland
Scottish graduate endowment scheme scrapped, in effect removing any direct student or graduate payment for tuition for Scottish full-time UG students at Scottish universities.
Northern Ireland
End of official 11-plus exams in Northern Ireland, although many continue to be sat as unofficial ‘transfer tests’.
Wales
Welsh Language Measure becomes law – updating the official status of Welsh, establishing the Welsh Language commissioner and ‘standards’ of language services by bodies and companies.
Scotland
Implementation of Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.
Wales
Introduction of the single-use carrier bag charge in Wales.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland 2013 Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse led to a formal apology and a redress board for individuals who suffered abuse in institutions between 1945 and 1995.
Northern Ireland
Children's Services Co-operation Bill requires Northern Ireland departments to co-operate with one another to achieve better outcomes relating to the well-being of children and young people.
Wales
Well-being of Future Generation Act in Wales provides a legal duty on Welsh Government and public agencies to act in accordance with the sustainable development principle and seven well-being goals.
Scotland
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax in Scotland replaces Stamp Duty Land Tax.
Wales
'Deemed consent' organ donation becomes law in Wales.
Scotland
After various reforms over 15 years, the ‘right to buy’ social housing in Scotland is ended.
Scotland
First divergence of Scottish income tax policy from Westminster income tax policy.
Scotland
Minimum unit pricing for alcohol introduced in Scotland.
Wales
Transport for Wales operates Wales and Borders rail services under public ownership.