ESR and Devolution

This chapter reflects on to what extent the improvement of economic and social rights (ESR) protection is within the competence of the respective devolved legislature and to what extent this competence has been exercised. Ultimately, the devolved jurisdictions have each gone further and faster with ESR than the UK as a whole since the onset of devolution. Since devolution the human rights culture has flourished in devolved areas with engagement on child rights, older persons and consideration of broader ESR. In 2017 and 2018, the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee in the Welsh Assembly heard evidence on the future of human rights in Wales. The chapter sets out the means through which ESR are developing in the devolved frameworks of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It also presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book.