Jargon buster

Acts of the Assembly

A Welsh law made by the National Assembly for Wales, enforceable in all areas of Wales where it is applicable.

Acts of Parliament

Laws made by the UK Parliament. These laws may confer powers on Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation for Wales. They may also give legislative powers (known as Framework Powers) to the National Assembly for Wales to enable it to make Welsh laws (Assembly Measures).

Assembly Commission

Corporate body established to support the National Assembly for Wales. Chaired by the Presiding Officer and responsible for providing property, staff and support services to Assembly Members.

Assembly Bills

A Bill is a draft law. Once a Bill has been considered and passed by the Assembly, and given Royal Assent by the monarch, it becomes an ‘Act of the Assembly.’

Committees

Cross-party groups of Assembly members who scrutinise policy or legislation.

Counsel General

The Chief Legal Adviser to the Welsh Government. The Counsel General is not a Welsh Minister but is a member of the Welsh Assembly Government. The Counsel General can be an Assembly Member or an external appointment.

Executive

The Welsh Government is the executive (comparable to the UK Government) as opposed to the National Assembly for Wales which is the legislature (comparable to the UK Parliament).

First Minister

An Assembly Member nominated by the National Assembly for Wales and appointed by the Monarch. Normally the leader of the largest party in the Assembly. Head of the Welsh Government.

Government of Wales Act 2006

The latest stage in Welsh devolution the Government of Wales Act 2006 gave the Assembly enhanced powers and allowed for the Referendum which was held, and won, in March 2011. This gave the National Assembly for Wales full law-making powers in 20 devolved areas.

Legislature

The National Assembly for Wales is the legislature (comparable to the UK Parliament) as opposed to the Welsh Government which is the executive (comparable to the UK Government).

National Assembly for Wales (NAfW)

The Welsh legislature separated from the Welsh Government under the Government of Wales Act 2006. An unincorporated association of 60 Assembly Members with a legislative and scrutiny function.

Secretary of State for Wales

Member of the UK Government who acts to ensure that the interests of Wales are represented in UK Government decision-making. The Secretary of State may attend Assembly Proceedings and addresses the Assembly at least once a year but cannot vote and is not an Assembly Member.

Subordinate Legislation

Also known as secondary legislation or delegated legislation, examples include regulations and orders. Laws made by Welsh Ministers under powers given to them by Acts of Parliament or Acts of the Assembly. Most subordinate legislation in devolved matters is made by Welsh Ministers.

Schedule 7

Schedule 7 of the Government of Wales lists the areas over which the National Assembly has legislative competence i.e. the specific areas in which it is able to make laws and any exceptions to those areas.

Welsh Government

The Welsh executive separated from the National Assembly for Wales under the Government of Wales Act 2006. The Members of the Welsh Government are the First Minister, Welsh Ministers, the Counsel General and the deputy Welsh Ministers. Its role is to develop policies and take decisions. The Welsh Government was known as the Welsh Assembly Government until the name was changed following the May 2011 Assembly Election.