Welsh Assembly

The 1998 Government of Wales Act was created along with the National assembly for Wales. This led to the first referendum in Wales in 1997. In 2006, the National Assembly for Wales was given the authority to look for permission to create legislation on delegated matters in the form of Assembly Measures.

The Welsh Government was also created by the 2006 Act. This is different from the National Assembly for Wales. The Welsh Government is an executive body of Ministers and they have the power to control and make changes in matters which can affect every life in Wales. They make changes involving Education and Training, Local Government and Social Welfare.

According to Roberts (2011), ‘A referendum on the National Assembly for Wales’s legislative powers was held on 3 March 2011. Following a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum, the National Assembly for Wales will now be able to pass laws on all subjects in the 20 devolved areas without first needing the agreement of the UK Parliament.’

These 20 devolved areas are controlled by the Government of Wales. However, the non-devolved areas, such as defence and taxation, stay under power of the UK Government.

For more details about the referendum, you can visit: http://wales.gov.uk/legislation/referendumpowers/

Roberts,M.(2011) Referendum information. [email] Message to Z.Ali (zainab_almajed93@hotmail.com). Sent 02 November 2011,2:32.