Return of Petitions Committee reaffirms Assembly’s commitment to all communities in Wales

The National Assembly for Wales has reaffirmed its commitment to effective engagement with the people of Wales over the next five years.

It aims to encourage single-issue groups, charities, sporting clubs, community groups, as well as geographic communities, to get involved in the business of law-making and government scrutiny that takes place at the Senedd.

Central to achieving that goal is the re-establishment of the Petitions Committee, which will spend its first meeting (Tuesday 21 June) considering new petitions from communities across Wales.

Chaired by Christine Chapman AM, the new Committee will begin looking at new petitions it’s received, including one on the closure of small schools and another on planned incinerators for sites across Wales.

The Committee will also consider a new petition with more than 2000 signatures – the most ever received through the Assembly’s online e-petitions system - on the policy surrounding wind farms resulting from concerns about the presence of pylons and sub-stations in Welsh communities.

Since launching in 2008, the Committee has considered more than 200 petitions on topics ranging from public toilets to pit ponies. It’s also held 64 public meetings and taken oral evidence from 38 petitioners.

The Assembly is one of only two UK legislatures to have a petitions committee and its work reinforces the theme of the fourth Assembly: the “Assembly of Communities”.

Christine Chapman AM said: “Since 2008 we’ve seen petitions submitted from all corners of Wales, all of which have started at grass roots level by members of the public wanting to affect change.

“These petitions have ranged from wind turbines and railway stations to equality and schools. It’s so important for people to have a direct point of entry for civic engagement and the petitions system facilitates this.

“Although submitting a petition will not automatically lead to the aims being met, it is an effective way of drawing attention to an issue and the system enables the public to directly influence and shape the Assembly’s business”.