PoliticsJuly 13, 2026

devolution

/ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən/

Definition

The statutory delegation or transfer of power from a central government to regional or local authorities.

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'devolvere', meaning 'to roll down'. It evolved to describe the political process of handing down authority from a higher level of government to a lower one.

In the news

In the article, the term refers to Andy Burnham's plan to shift control over housing and transport from the central government in London to regional bodies. This is part of his broader goal to rebalance power across the UK.

What we know about Andy Burnham's policies

Read the full article ↗

BBC

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