Wales is to get more power devolved from Westminster, the UK Government has revealed during the Queen’s Speech.
The National Assembly of Wales will take control of some major energy projects, such as granting onshore and offshore fracking licences, and whether or not to allow 16-year-olds to vote in elections.
It will also take responsibility for ports, taxi regulation, registration of bus services and speed limits.
The plans for further devolution in Wales were first outlined by the UK Government earlier this year in the St David’s Day announcement by Prime Minister David Cameron.
The proposals include a move towards a “reserved powers” model of devolution which outlines the policy areas that remain with the UK Government. All other matters will be considered to be devolved.
During her speech at the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday May 27, The Queen said the measures would deliver a “strong and lasting constitutional settlement”.
A draft version of the new Wales Bills is to be presented in the autumn, with legislation expected to be passed next year.
Dame Rosemary Butler, the Assembly’s Presiding Officer, said: “I welcome the commitment made in today’s Queen’s Speech to deliver a Wales bill which honours in full the commitments made in the St David’s Day process.
“It is essential that the Assembly’s voice is heard loud and clear in the discussions that will take place over the coming weeks and months.
“I will be meeting with the Secretary of State for Wales shortly when I will be seeking assurances that while we might move quickly, there is ample opportunity to scrutinise any new proposals and consider their impact on Wales.
“The St David’s Day announcement signified the shift in the balance of power between Westminster and the Assembly which I had called for and will enable us finally to determine our own affairs. We must be certain that any new reserved powers model does not reduce our ability to legislate in any way and offers us a settlement that lets us legislate with clarity and coherence for the good of Wales.”
Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb said: “No one should underestimate our commitment to see a stronger and more coherent devolution settlement that will stand the test of time for Wales.
“With more accountability and more decisions taken in Wales, we can support economic growth and help people across the whole country benefit from the economic recovery.”
Wales’ First Minister Carwyn Jones said he was pleased to see a Wales Bill proposed.
More responsibility for AMs, they will be back to the trough again soon. Only 10,000 pay rise this year so another is in the offing. These rises will, of course, be decided by an ‘independent review body’. Watch this space.
More responsibility for AMs, they will be back to the trough again soon. Only 10,000 pay rise this year so another is in the offing. These rises will, of course, be decided by an ‘independent review body’. Watch this space.
Never mind Richard! Assembly Election next May, and then we shall hear how different parties will propose to use these, `additional settlement powers` being handed down by the Tories. We will also know by then which individual AM`s are prepared to forego the £10,000 hike in pay, and why. Should make for a very interesting election campagn, we already know Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru Leader has a very firm take on this issue.
Never mind Richard! Assembly Election next May, and then we shall hear how different parties will propose to use these, `additional settlement powers` being handed down by the Tories. We will also know by then which individual AM`s are prepared to forego the £10,000 hike in pay, and why. Should make for a very interesting election campagn, we already know Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru Leader has a very firm take on this issue.
Responsibility for speed limits….so the speed limit on the M4 will no doubt be lowered to 50mph for it’s entire route through Wales, it’s painful enough already being forced to slow down to 50mph just to drive through the tunnel regardless of whether it’s 2am in the morning or 4pm in the afternoon.
That bit worries me too Paul. If past experience is anything to go by AMs will wish to make changes, not because they are necessary or beneficial but simply in order to use their powers.
Sometimes common sense does intervene though, I refer to the silly attempt to make it an offence to correct a naughty child with a smack, which was defeated at a vote. So there is hope…
Responsibility for speed limits….so the speed limit on the M4 will no doubt be lowered to 50mph for it’s entire route through Wales, it’s painful enough now being forced to slow down to 50mph just to drive through the Brynglas tunnel regardless of whether it’s 2am in the morning or 4pm in the afternoon.
That bit worries me too Paul. If past experience is anything to go by AMs will wish to make changes, not because they are necessary or beneficial but simply in order to use their powers.
Sometimes common sense does intervene though, I refer to the silly attempt to make it an offence to correct a naughty child with a smack, which was defeated at a vote. So there is hope…