Introduction

"Devolution in Wales has been a successful development. Much has been achieved in four years." De Ceredigion BLP

"Some members who had been opposed to the set up of the Assembly had now changed their minds and were very supportive." Conwy CLP

The creation of the Welsh Assembly represents a substantial democratisation and improvement in how Wales is governed. Decisions previously taken behind closed doors are now routinely subjected to the fullest measure of public scrutiny. Ministers running Wales were previously appointed. Now they comprise representatives directly accountable via elections in Wales every four years. There is greater input into the policy making process from the public, service users and providers, trade unions, business and interest groups, together with a stronger voice for the regions of Wales. The results are more robust initiatives tailored to the needs of Wales. Wales and the UK as a whole are stronger as a result of devolution.

But while the overall settlement has worked well, the Assembly’s first term has also demonstrated potential weaknesses. The Assembly’s powers are insufficiently clear to a large number of people of Wales. The first term has demonstrated specific instances, such as power of direction over the Strategic Rail Authority, where the allocation of functions should be adjusted; in the main these are being addressed. Aspects of the system of election, in particular the practice of candidates standing simultaneously in constituencies and on regional lists, are confusing and seen as undemocratic.

Since 1997 the Labour Party has developed its policy on the basis of all-member consultation. The Welsh Joint Policy Committee of the Wales Labour Party therefore resolved to consult with Labour Party members in Wales prior to a submission to this Commission. A copy of that consultation document is contained in Annex 1 of this submission.

Copies of the consultation document were sent to all party units and affiliated organisations in early May. The document was also posted on the party’s web site and sent to all individual members currently on our e-mailing list. Exactly 100 submissions were received from party units in all parts of Wales, including from County and County Borough Parties (coterminous with Unitary Authorities), Women’s Forums and Constituency Parties (both coterminous with Parliamentary constituencies), Branch parties (coterminous with one or more electoral division), affiliated organisations and individual members. In total approximately 1,400 individual party members participated in discussions contributing to this submission. Welsh Labour’s evidence reflects therefore the considered view of the labour movement in Wales.