Decentralisation - GCSE Geography Definition

Decentralisation refers to the process of distributing power, resources, and decision-making authority away from a central location or authority to smaller, local areas or groups. In the context of GCSE Geography, this typically involves shifting responsibilities from national or central governments to regional or local governments, organisations, or communities. This can help improve efficiency by allowing local entities, which may better understand specific regional needs and conditions, to make decisions. Decentralisation can affect various aspects of society, such as urban planning, resource management, and public services, and is often seen as a way to encourage local participation and increase the responsiveness of authorities to the needs of different areas.