Devolution

The main principles of post-devolution co-operation between the UK Government and the devolved administrations are laid down in a Memorandum of Understanding and four “overarching Concordats”. The texts of these can be found on the Office of the Deputy Prime Ministers website.

Subordinate to these agreements are bilateral Departmental Concordats made between MAFF and the respective devolved administrations. The MAFF/Scottish Executive Concordat and a subject specific concordat on fisheries were formally agreed on 3 November. The MAFF/Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales concordat was agreed on 17 October 2000.

Defra Agencies or Divisions which have particularly complex or sensitive relations with the devolved administrations have the option to negotiate subject-specific Concordats to clarify relationships and responsibilities.