Opportunities to influence the process

IMPORTANT NOTE. We are currently in the process of updating this information in light of the Welsh referendum result. Click here for information on the result and what happens next. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any questions.

There are a number of different ways that the sector can influence the legislative competence of the Assembly on both a pro-active and reactive basis.

Pro-actively, the sector can get involved in lobbying WAG Ministers and the Assembly on issues where they feel that legislative competence is required. This might result in either the WAG through its legislative programme or an Assembly Committee, or an AM through the ballot process bringing forward an LCO proposal. Likewise, using the Petitions route might be another way of generating an LCO proposal (or at least raising awareness of a specific issue).

Reactively, the sector can be involved in the scrutiny processes that form part of the LCO approval process. In the pre-legislative stage, if the proposed Order goes to a legislation Committee, they will consult on the proposed order. This is an opportunity to submit written evidence, and the Committees also sometimes invite individuals and organisations to give direct oral evidence.

The Members’ Research Service (MRS), which is part of the Assembly Commission, is a service available to all Assembly Members and is a useful body to be in contact with. They provide background and research reports as requested by AMs and by providing reports and information to the MRS, the sector can potentially get their message across.

As well as involvement with the Assembly, it should be remembered that Westminster also has a role in the approval (or not) of LCOs and the power to affect legislative competence through UK Acts of Parliament. The sector’s influencing voice is therefore just as important in London as well as Cardiff Bay.