Wales deserves a clear and lasting devolution settlement says the National Assembly's Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee.
The committee has written to Stephen Crabb MP, Secretary of State for Wales, highlighting that this is an opportunity to deliver a lasting devolved settlement that will not need to be extensively revised.
The Committee have been considering the UK Government's Command Paper, Powers for a Purpose, which looks at proposals for further devolution to Wales. The Committee strongly supported a 'Reserved Powers' model, whereby matters that cannot effectively be devolved are reserved by Westminster and recommended that a principles based approach should be taken. The main principles being clarity, simplicity and workability.
In addition, the Committee recommends that a clear timetable for legislation is set out by the UK Government allowing both the Houses of Parliament and the National Assembly time to scrutinise the draft and final Bill.
David Melding AM Chair of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee said:
"The people of Wales deserve a durable devolution settlement which is simple, clear and workable. This will enable Wales to move past the constitutional debate, and to focus on how we can all best use these powers to deliver for Wales.
"This is an opportunity for all involved to seize the opportunity and deliver a lasting legacy to Wales of a devolved settlement that works."
The UK Government’s Proposals for Further Devolution to Wales Report.pdf (PDF,509KB)