National Assembly strengthens standards regime with wider range of sanctions

The National Assembly for Wales has voted to strengthen the range of sanctions available for Members who break Assembly rules.

During Plenary at the Senedd the Assembly voted to change its Standing Orders to include a wider range of penalties for breaches of conduct other than financial or other interests. At the moment, the only sanction available for those other breaches is that of censure.

Among the sanctions available will be exclusion and the withdrawal of rights and privileges of any Member found to have been found in breach of any of the Standing Orders related to standards of conduct. These rights and privileges could include rights of access to Assembly buildings or to represent the Assembly at events. The sanction of exclusion would automatically entail a loss of salary.

The move follows recommendations in a report from the Standards of Conduct Committee earlier this year.

A consultation with all 60 Assembly Members drew widespread support for the proposals.

“Strengthening of the range of sanctions available to the Assembly demonstrates our commitment to a transparent and accountable institution where Members are expected to attain the highest standards of public office,” said Rosemary Butler AM, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales.

“The fact that Members themselves have voted to adopt these changes shows the dedication and commitment they expect of themselves and each other in representing the interests of the people of Wales, making laws for Wales and holding the Welsh Government to account.”

The Business Committee report recommending changes to Standing Orders with regards to Members’ conduct can be found here.

The report from the Standards of Conduct Committee can be found here.