Today Scottish residents go to the polls to decide whether to make an historic break with the United Kingdom.

While the referendum over self-determination may seem a world away here in Sussex, the impact could be far-reaching. The consensus among economists is that a vote for independence could have an immediate impact on the pound – despite formal secession taking more than a year.

Share prices could also tumble amid uncertainty over the British economy, potentially derailing the months of hard-work in clawing back to recovery. Aside from the fears, not helped by the vaguely sketched paper for an independent Scotland, an interesting constitutional issue has become apparent. It is clear whatever the result that there is an appetite to move away from centralisad government.

The Government may have promised localism but few believe real power has been ceded by the coalition. The bruising campaign has given a stark message to Prime Minister David Cameron – ignore popular calls for regional devolution at your peril.