- The reserved powers model provides a clear boundary between
reserved and devolved matters
- Welsh devolution will be strengthened through further powers
for the Assembly and Welsh Ministers
- The new model will come into force on 1 April 2018
On 1 April 2018, a new reserved powers model of devolution in
Wales will come into force, putting more decisions into the hands
of Welsh Ministers, giving them important new levers to grow the
Welsh economy and to deliver better public services across Wales.
The new model places Welsh devolution on a firmer foundation,
making clear what is devolved, and the responsibility of the
National Assembly for Wales, and what is reserved - and the
responsibility of Parliament.
The regulations also bring into force many of the further powers
being devolved to the Assembly and Welsh Ministers under the
Wales Act 2017, including powers over elections, transport and
the environment. Most of these powers will also come into force
on 1 April 2018.
The announcement comes a week after the Chancellor’s budget where
he set out plans to increase the Welsh Government’s budget by
£1.2 billion and build an economy that is fit for the future.
The new reserved model will take effect at the same time as the
new devolved Welsh taxes, and before the Assembly and Welsh
Ministers take responsibility for a portion of income tax.
Secretary of State for Wales said:
The reserved powers model marks a significant step forward in
Welsh devolution and implements the clearer devolution
settlement provided in the Wales Act.
The additional powers for the Assembly and Welsh Ministers will
strengthen Welsh devolution and set it on a clear course for
the future.
The Welsh Government now needs to be innovative with the
opportunities these new powers provide and deliver the
improvements in devolved services that the people of Wales
deserve.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Some parts of the Wales Act 2017 are already in force, including
provisions that:
- reaffirm the government’s commitment to the permanence of the
National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government;
- remove the requirement for a referendum before the devolution
of income tax to Wales; and
- double (to £1 billion) the amount Welsh Ministers can borrow
to fund capital expenditure.
Earlier this month, the UK Government and Welsh Government
introduced a water
protocol for England and Wales which will safeguard
water resources, water supply and water quality for consumers on
both sides of the border
