What is the referendum about?

What is a referendum?

A referendum asks you to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a proposal.

What are the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales?

The National Assembly for Wales, which is an elected body that represents the people of Wales, takes decisions and makes laws that affect you.

The Assembly has powers to make laws in 20 subject areas:

• Agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development
• Ancient monuments and historic buildings
• Culture
• Economic development
• Education and training
• Environment
• Fire and rescue services and promotion of fire safety
• Food
• Health and health services
• Highways and transport
• Housing
• Local government
• National Assembly for Wales
• Public administration
• Social welfare
• Sport and recreation
• Tourism
• Town and country planning
• Water and flood defence
• Welsh language

In each subject area, the Assembly can make laws on some matters, but not others. To make laws on any of these other matters, the Assembly must ask the UK Parliament for its agreement. The UK Parliament then decides each time whether or not the Assembly can make these laws.

What will the referendum ask?

The referendum will ask you whether the Assembly should now be able to make laws on all matters in the 20 subject areas listed above.

The Assembly cannot make laws on subject areas such as defence, tax or welfare benefits, whatever the result of this vote. The UK Parliament will continue to make laws in these subject areas and others that will affect the people of Wales.

You will be asked:

Do you want the Assembly now to be able to make laws on all matters in the 20 subject areas it has powers for?

If most voters vote ‘yes’

The Assembly will be able to make laws on all matters in the 20 subject areas it has powers for, without needing the UK Parliament's agreement.

If most voters vote ‘no’

What happens at the moment will continue.

How do I vote?

You show your choice by putting a cross (X) in the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ box on your ballot paper. Put a cross (X) in only one box or your vote will not be counted.

What are the arguments?

Campaigners in the referendum will explain why they think you should vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. They will communicate through TV, the radio, newspapers and websites. 

How to find out more

If you have any other questions, you might find the answer on our FAQ page or please call our helpline on 0800 3 280 280.

Click here for details of our role in running referendums.