Government of Wales Act 2006

This Act is an interim step in the devolution story for Wales, transforming governance arrangements, enhancing legislative powers and making provision for further devolution in future. There are four main changes brought about by the Act:

1. The separation of National Assembly for Wales from the Welsh Assembly Government

2. Further limited legislative powers given to the National Assembly for Wales

3. Changing the voting system to prevent constituency candidates also standing as regional list candidates

4. Provision for a Parliament subject to a referendum

The third sector and the Government of Wales Act 2006

The new Act provides the third sector with significant new opportunities to have their voice heard on issues that matter to them and the people they work with and represent. Now that the Assembly has new law-making powers it should also be more accountable to the people of Wales for the legislation it makes.

In order to make sound policies and laws, the Assembly needs to hear from its citizens. The third sector is uniquely placed with its front-line experience and expertise to bring forward robust evidence to influence the laws that are made. The legislative processes have created a range of opportunities to influence, for example: liaising with the relevant Minister, Assembly Member, or Committee; contributing to pre-legislative consultation; inputting to the legislative scrutiny process; and using the public petitions process.