Devolved Matter

A policy area where responsibility has been transferred to a devolved institution.

Also used as: devolved matters, devolved competence

Source / explainer: Read the Commons Library briefing on devolution

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

A devolved matter is a policy area where responsibility has been transferred to a devolved institution in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Whether a subject is devolved affects who can legislate and whether a legislative consent motion may be relevant. The precise scope depends on the devolution settlement.

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