National Assembly for Wales
What does it do?
The National Assembly for Wales represents the people of Wales
and has the power to make decisions in the following areas:
- agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and rural development
- ancient monuments and historic buildings
- culture
- economic development
- education and training
- the environment
- fire and rescue services
- health and health services
- highways and transport
- housing
- industry
- local government
- public administration
- social welfare
- sport and recreation
- tourism
- town and country planning
- water and flood defence
- the Welsh language
As a result of the Government of Wales Act 2006 the National
Assembly for Wales can now make laws, known as Assembly Measures,
in these areas. These measures will be unique to Wales and will
reflect the specific needs and concerns of people in Wales .
The UK Government retains control of certain public services and
areas of legislation. For example, responsibilities for the police
service, social security and employment legislation are not
devolved. The Assembly has no powers to levy taxes.
How is it made up?
There are 60 elected Assembly Members (AMs) and, if you live in
Wales, you are represented by five of them. One AM represents your
Assembly constituency and the other four all represent your
region.
The Welsh Assembly Government is formed from the party or
parties holding the most seats in the Assembly and is led by the
First Minister. The Government is made up of a further eight
Ministers who each have responsibility for a specific area.
Ministers are answerable to the Assembly and have to answer
questions from other AMs about their policies and activities.
How is it elected?
When you vote in a National Assembly for Wales election you have
two votes – one to elect your constituency member and one to elect
your regional member . In the constituency ballot, you choose the
candidate you want to represent you directly. In the regional
ballot, you choose from a list of party or independent candidates
to represent your region.
In the constituency ballot, the candidate with the largest
number of votes is elected. In the regional ballot, seats are
allocated proportionately according to the number of votes cast for
each party. This means that if a party does not win enough seats in
the constituency ballot to match the support it has in the regional
ballot, it can gain additional seats.
When is it elected?
Elections for the National Assembly for Wales take place every
four years. The next elections are scheduled to take place in May
2011.
Where can I find out more?
National Assembly for Wales
website.