Step forward for National Assembly of Wales’ law-making powers

The National Assembly for Wales has voted to change its rules to further develop the law-making process in Wales.

Assembly Members have voted in favour of changing the National Assembly’s Standing Orders to allow for the introduction of Private Bills.

A Private Bill is a Bill introduced by individuals or organisations outside the Assembly for the purpose of obtaining powers for themselves that are in excess of, or in conflict with, the general law.

The National Assembly has had the power to deal with Private Bills with the areas where it has legislative competence since the passing of the Government of Wales Act 2006, however the LCO process that existed prior to last May meant such Bills were highly unlikely to come forward. The change to Standing Orders means that the National Assembly has the procedure in place to consider such Bills.

Previously, Private Bills relating to Wales were considered in Westminster. For example, the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993 was the result of a Private Bill submitted to the UK Parliament.

“Last year the people of Wales voted overwhelmingly to give the National Assembly for Wales enhanced law-making powers. As a result we have been able to develop our capacity to legislate in many areas of our everyday lives,” said the National Assembly for Wales’ Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM.

“The fact that private individuals and public bodies are now able to introduce Private Bills is another significant step forward in Wales’s law-making evolution and further evidence of the National Assembly’s maturity as a legislature.”