People across Wales are being encouraged to respond to new proposals to reshape Welsh democracy published by the Assembly Commission today.
The consultation has been drawn up in anticipation of new powers given to the Assembly in the Wales Act 2017.
The Act gives the Assembly the power to make decisions in relation to the institution’s size and how Members are elected.
Last week, the Assembly voted in favour of the Commission’s decision to consult on the recommendations of the Expert Panel’s report on Assembly Electoral Reform, “A Parliament that Works for Wales”.
Following a detailed analysis of evidence, the Panel recommended that the Assembly needs between 20 and 30 additional Members elected through a more proportional electoral system with diversity at its heart. It also recommended lowering the minimum voting age for National Assembly elections to include sixteen and seventeen year olds.
The consultation on the recommendations will run from 12 February for an eight week period ending on 6 April.
In addition to the recommendations made by the Expert Panel on Assembly Electoral Reform the consultation also includes other potential changes to who can vote in Assembly elections and who can be an Assembly Member, as well as changes to the law relating to electoral administration and the Assembly’s internal arrangements.
The Commission has already consulted on changing the Assembly’s name, and as a result of that consultation the name will be changes to Welsh Parliament.
"We now have the opportunity to forge the national parliament that the people of Wales deserve to champion their interests."
- Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales.
The Llywydd, Elin Jones AM said:
“The Wales Act 2017 marks the start of a new phase of devolution in Wales, giving us the opportunity to make profound changes to our legislature. We now have the opportunity to forge the national parliament that the people of Wales deserve to champion their interests.
This consultation is the beginning of a conversation with the people and communities of Wales about the institution that they want their Welsh Parliament to be. I look forward to hearing their views.”
There are a number of ways that you can let the Assembly Commission know what you think about the potential reforms:
Visit the consultation website at www.assembly.wales/futuresenedd, where you will find the full consultation document and an easy read version of the consultation document.
You can either email your completed consultation form to AssemblyCommission.Consultations@assembly.wales, or post it to Freepost, National Assembly for Wales.- Visit the consultation microsite at www.futuresenedd.wales, and fill in an online survey. You can choose whether to answer questions on all of the proposals, or just the ones which interest you most.
We are also arranging regional events with partner organisations to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposals and discuss them with the Llywydd.
Further information about the consultation and the regional events, including how to take part, will be available on the consultation website over the coming weeks.
Creating a Parliament for Wales
This is the start of a new phase of devolution and now is your chance to tell us how you want your National Assembly to be.