What is the Senedd?

The Senedd is the Welsh Parliament. It is responsible for making laws for Wales, setting taxes, and overseeing the work of the Welsh Government.

What’s the difference between the Welsh Government and the Senedd?

Members

What do Members of the Senedd do?

Members of the Senedd, also known as MS, are elected by the people of Wales to represent them in the Welsh Parliament. 

Members' time is divided between working at the Senedd in meetings such as Plenary, sitting on Committees to look at specific topics or issues that affect the lives of people in Wales, and working in the communities they are elected to represent. 

Find out more about how Members work in the Senedd and what they do in their constituency or region.

Powers

What powers does the Senedd have?

The Senedd is responsible for making decisions on many of the issues that affect our day to day lives.

The Senedd can make laws on issues like education, healthcare, the environment, culture and language, and transport.

However, some decisions that affect Wales remain with the UK Parliament (these are called ‘reserved matters’) including nuclear energy, foreign affairs, and defence.

In Wales, the Welsh Government proposes ideas for laws, and makes decisions on how to spend its budget of around £26 billion a year.

The job of the other Members of the Senedd is to consider, debate, and vote on the laws proposed, and money spent by the Welsh Government, on behalf of the people of Wales.

Visit us

Come and visit us in Cardiff Bay

Did you know that you can visit the Senedd for free?

There's plenty to explore with guided tours, exhibitions, activities for children and more. 

Plan your visit today. We're waiting to welcome you.

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A photograph of the front of the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay. The building is comprised of grey bricks, and some white beams are visible. There is a sign that reads ‘Welsh Parliament’ in the back right hand side. In the foreground, there are pedestrians passing by. Some people are sitting on the steps outside the Senedd building. A photograph of the front of the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay. The building is comprised of grey bricks, and some white beams are visible. There is a sign that reads ‘Welsh Parliament’ in the back right hand side. In the foreground, there are pedestrians passing by. Some people are sitting on the steps outside the Senedd building. A photograph of the front of the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay. The building is comprised of grey bricks, and some white beams are visible. There is a sign that reads ‘Welsh Parliament’ in the back right hand side. In the foreground, there are pedestrians passing by. Some people are sitting on the steps outside the Senedd building. A photograph of the front of the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay. The building is comprised of grey bricks, and some white beams are visible. There is a sign that reads ‘Welsh Parliament’ in the back right hand side. In the foreground, there are pedestrians passing by. Some people are sitting on the steps outside the Senedd building.

Senedd Election 2026
A high street in Wales. There is a pedestrian crossing across a road in the middle of the image, and behind that there are businesses and shops in buildings of different colours. A high street in Wales. There is a pedestrian crossing across a road in the middle of the image, and behind that there are businesses and shops in buildings of different colours. A high street in Wales. There is a pedestrian crossing across a road in the middle of the image, and behind that there are businesses and shops in buildings of different colours. A high street in Wales. There is a pedestrian crossing across a road in the middle of the image, and behind that there are businesses and shops in buildings of different colours.

What is my constituency?
A sign tied to a fence. The text on the sign reads ‘Polling Station’. A sign tied to a fence. The text on the sign reads ‘Polling Station’. A sign tied to a fence. The text on the sign reads ‘Polling Station’. A sign tied to a fence. The text on the sign reads ‘Polling Station’.

Voting and Senedd elections