1997 – Referendum on establishment of the National Assembly for Wales 1998 – Government of Wales Act 19998 1999 – First Assembly elections 2006 – Government of Wales Act 2006 2007 – Third Assembly Elections 2011 – Referendum on law making powers 2011 – Fourth Assembly Elections
Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler AM
Powers and Responsibilities Agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural Housing development Ancient monuments and historic buildings Local government Culture National Assembly for Wales Economic development Public administration Education and training Social welfare Environment Sport and recreation Fire and rescue services and promotion of Tourism fire safety Food Town and country planning Health and health services Water and flood defence Highways and transport Welsh language
Role of an Assembly Member Elections Every 4 years (5 this term) 60 Assembly Members 40 constituency 20 regional Next election May 2016
Role of an Assembly Member Election At an Assembly election, people have two votes as the Assembly uses an “additional members system” 40 Members elected first past the post – most votes wins • 20 Members elected through the d’Hont method of Proportional • Representation http://www.assemblywales.org/abthome/role-of-assembly-how-it- works/abt-assembly-elections-2/abt-nafw-how-assembly-elected.htm
Role of an Assembly Member Constituency Member for Cardiff Central Jenny Rathbone AM
Role of an Assembly Member Regional Members for South Wales Central Eluned Parrott AM Andrew RT Davies AM Leanne Wood AM David Melding AM
Role of an Assembly Member Results / Canlyniadau Constituency Regional Total Welsh Labour 28 2 30 Welsh Conservatives 6 8 14 Plaid Cymru 5 6 11 Welsh Liberal Democrats 1 4 5
Role of an Assembly Member In their local constituencies/regions • Hold surgeries • Give the people of Wales a chance to raise issues • Work directly on behalf of their constituents • Meet with individuals, groups and organisations At the Senedd • Sit on Committees • Debate in plenary • Propose legislation • Vote
NAfW vs Welsh Government
Scrutiny of the Welsh Government Committees Children and Young People Committee • Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister • Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee • Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee • Enterprise and Business Committee • Environment and Sustainability Committee • Finance Committee • Health and Social Care Committee • Petitions Committee • Public Accounts Committee • Standards of Conduct Committee • http://www.senedd.assemblywales.org/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx ?IId=1534
Scrutiny of the Welsh Government Committees Committee meetings are attended by a cross party group of Assembly Members. They usually take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and the scrutinise: Legislation proposals (Bills) • Welsh Government policy • The Research Service provide briefings for Committee Members with suggestions for upcoming inquiries based on discussions with their network of contacts Traditional consultation approaches include a written call for evidence and evidence sessions at the Senedd
Legislating for Wales Legislative process What is a Bill? A Bill is a draft law, which if passed by the Assembly, becomes and Act of the Assembly, which is a law enforced in all areas of Wales where it is applicable. Introducing a Bill Must be formally introduced to the Assembly (“laid” to Assembly • officials) Mostly introduced by Welsh Government Ministers (Government Bills) • Assembly Committee’s, individual Assembly Members and the • Assembly Commission can also introduce Bills
Scrutiny of the Welsh Government Committees
Scrutiny of the Welsh Government Committees In addition to this the Communications team at the Assembly conduct consultation activity on behalf of Committees, such as: Focus groups • Video Interviews • Speed networking events • Conferences • Questionnaires •
Legislating for Wales Legislative process Scrutinising Bills There are 4 stages to scrutinising Bills; Stage 1 considers the general principles of the Bill, if agreed… • Stages 2 and 3 will consider in greater detail and also consider • amendments proposed by Assembly Members Stage 4 is where the final text of the Bill is voted on in the Chamber •
Legislating for Wales Ballots for Bills These ballots give backbench AMs the chance to propose legislation Ministers and AMs who have previously won a ballot may not apply • Each Member can submit individual legislative proposals, they can • also propose the same one as other AMs A draft Bill is selected at random • 4 stages of consideration • http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus- • legislation/bill_ballots.htm
Scrutiny of the Welsh Government Committees Petitions - Three Easy Steps 1. Submit your proposal 2. Collect signatures – minimum of 10 3. Present your petition www.assemblywales.org/e-petitions
Follow us Follow the National Assembly for Wales online - www.assemblywales.org www.senedd.tv http://twitter.com/assemblywales Facebook: The National Assembly for Wales
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