Intergovernmental relations (IGR) have long been the weak link in the UK’s system of devolution. Overall, the reforms carry the potential for significant improvements to the system.
The heart of the [three tier] system is likely to be the middle tier.
This has two key forums: an interministerial standing committee (IMSC) and a Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee (F:ISC), with the opportunity for further time-limited IMCs.
The IMSC is to meet monthly to discuss cross-cutting, strategic, or more political issues, both domestic and international, and to resolve any disputes that escalate from the lower tier. In the IMSC, the governments have the opportunity to meet and act as equals.
By contrast, in the F:ISC, the Treasury looks set to maintain the lead role. The F:ISC has its own rules and terms of reference, its own dispute process, and its own language.
Overall, the reforms have gone further than I thought they could. But the proof will be in the practice. Machinery matters. Process and organisation matter. But the culture and conduct of intergovernmental relations matters more.