Government of Wales Act 2006: Elizabeth II. Chapter 32 Reprinted September 2006

Format:

Corporate Author:

Great Britain

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

The devolved powers of the Welsh Assembly were established by the Government of Wales Act 1998, and the first elections were held in 1999. Following on from the recommendations of the Richard Report on the powers and electoral arrangements of the National Assembly for Wales (published in March 2004, ISBN 0750431849), the Government published a White paper ('Better Governance for Wales', Cm 6582, ISBN 0101658222) in June 2005 with proposals to reform the devolution settlement in Wales in order to deliver better governance and accountability. This Act contains six parts, 166 sections and 12 schedules, and gives effect to the White Paper proposals, including the formal separation of the Welsh Assembly Government (the Executive) and the National Assembly (the Legislature), with the Executive being accountable to the National Assembly. Provision is also made for: the holding of a referendum on whether the Assembly should have more primary legislative powers in defined policy areas; the creation of a Welsh Consolidated Fund to meet budgetary programmes; the conduct of Welsh Assembly elections and the role and responsibilities of Assembly members. Explanatory notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately (ISBN 0105632066).