Intergovernmental relations

The review of intergovernmental relations (IGR) was undertaken jointly by the UK Government and the devolved administrations to update intergovernmental structures. Its conclusions were published in 2022.

The current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK Government (UKG) and the devolved administrations (DAs) of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was first agreed in 1999, and most recently updated in October 2013. It sets out the principles that support relations between all four administrations, stressing good communication, consultation and cooperation.

The Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat was established as part of the Review of Intergovernmental Relations. The Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat is impartial and promotes efficient and effective intergovernmental relations between the UK, Welsh and Scottish Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive.

This page contains the UK government’s reports on intergovernmental relations in line with our transparency commitments.

Documents relating to engagement between the Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and the devolved administrations on COVID-19.

Documents relating to the Prime Minister and Heads of Devolved Governments Council.

The Interministerial Standing Committee brings together strategic considerations affecting many different portfolios and discusses cross-cutting international issues. It is led by the relevant ministers from the four governments of the UK with responsibility for intergovernmental relations.

The aim of the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee is to consider the impact of economic and finance matters affecting the UK. F:ISC members are the Chief Secretary to the Treasury from the UK Government and finance ministers from the devolved governments.

Ministers from the 4 UK administrations meet regularly to discuss issues relating to business and industry.

Ministers from the four governments of the UK meet regularly to discuss issues relating to Education.

The aim of the Interministerial Group (IMG) for Elections and Registration is to consider issues relating to elections and electoral registration policy across the UK. It is led by the relevant Ministers from across the UK with election policy in their portfolio.

Documents from the Interministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Ministers from the 4 UK administrations meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Documents from the Interministerial Group for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Ministers from the four UK administrations meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the housing, communities and local government.

Documents from the Interministerial Group for Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change. The group promotes the decarbonisation of the UK economy and supports the successful delivery of the UK’s domestic and international climate targets.

The aim of the Interministerial Group (IMG) for Safety, Security and Migration is to enhance intergovernmental working between the Home Office and the devolved governments of the UK. The IMG will complement existing channels of communication and engagement.

The Devolved Administrations’ (DAs) Interministerial Group (IMG) for Tourism is a multilateral forum which will seek to support effective engagement between the UK government and the DAs through the sharing of knowledge and information relating to tourism policy development.

Documents from the Interministerial Group for Trade. Ministers from the UK government and devolved administrations meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the UK’s international trade agenda.

Ministers from the 4 UK administrations meet regularly to discuss issues relating to transport.

The Interministerial Group on UK-EU Relations provides a ministerial forum to discuss matters relating to the UK’s withdrawal and trade and cooperation deals with the European Union.

The Interministerial Group for Work and Pensions is a forum for the UK Government and Welsh Government to discuss matters relating to employment, disability, social security, child maintenance and pensions.

Ministers from all 4 UK administrations met regularly to ensure effective engagement and collaboration on the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26).

The Joint Ministerial Working Group is established to provide a forum for discussion and decision-making to ensure the implementation of welfare-related aspects of the Smith Commission Report.

Prior to the review of intergovernmental relations, the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) was the primary committee structure for Ministers from the UK Government and the devolved administrations to engage. It met in various formats including Plenary and various subcommittees. These documents outline its activities.

The Culture and Creative Industries Inter-Ministerial Group supports effective engagement and collaboration in areas of shared interest between the portfolio ministers leading on culture and creative industries policy within the 4 UK governments.

The aim of the Interministerial Group (IMG) for Health and Social Care is to enhance intergovernmental working between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the devolved governments of the UK. The IMG complements existing channels of communication and engagement between the department and devolved governments.