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MHOCSeneddVote
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WB156 | The Budget (May 2024) | Budget Vote
The Budget (May 2024)
The First Minister (lily-irl) to move:
1. The Senedd is asked to agree the following:
This resolution for the year ending 31 March 2025 is made by Senedd Cymru (“the Senedd”) pursuant to Section 125 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (“the Act”).
2. This Annual Budget Motion should be read alongside supporting budget documentation published on 16 May 2024.
3. The Welsh Government, Electoral Commission, Senedd Commission, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, and the Wales Audit Office are authorised, in sum–
(a) to use resources (not including accruing resources) during the financial year ending 31 March 2025 for the services and purposes specified in the supporting budget documentation, up to a maximum of £28,974,000,000;
(b) in addition, to retain income, within the categories of accruing resources specified in the supporting budget documentation, during the financial year ending 31 March 2025, for use on the services and purposes specified in the supporting budget documentation, up to the limits specified in that documentation; and
(c) to draw cash out of the Welsh Consolidated Fund for use on the services and purposes specified in the supporting budget documentation, up to the net cash requirement limit specified in the supporting documentation.
The Budget is authored by the Rt Hon lily-irl MS, First Minister, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Llywydd,
This is the Government’s budget. We are making a lot of investments in Wales.
We are investing one billion pounds every year for the next ten years in our new Welsh Housing Authority. We will embark on a comprehensive programme of renovation and new construction of social housing in Wales, ensuring that everyone in Wales has a place to stay. We will end the scourge of homelessness and housing insecurity in the next decade, becoming a world leader in guaranteeing the human right of housing to our citizens.
We are surging investment in our NHS, maintaining the last Labour-Conservative government’s 5% increase to NHS funding while also introducing a new £150 million per year multi-year diagnosis fund, as well as a £25 million new treatments fund to accelerate the delivery of cutting edge healthcare to patients in our NHS. We are making good on PfG commitments to repay student loans for medicine graduates in Welsh universities who stay in Wales, addressing the shortage of doctors in Welsh hospitals. We are creating more staff in the form of NHS reservists to support regular staff in times of stress on our health system.
This budget increases the pupil development grant by a further 5 per cent, as well as introducing a grant for thousands of new apprenticeship places. In culture, we are providing funding for Welsh cities to bid for the 2029 UK City of Culture as well as a £10 million Welsh Heritage Renovation Fund to maintain our heritage for future generations.
Finally, the government is creating a £10 million safer streets fund, allowing local authorities to invest in measures to provide a safer environment, particularly for women and vulnerable people, as well as a £5 million flee fund for victims of domestic violence.
This is a budget characterised largely by a surge in the block grant from the UK Government, which this Government will take greater advantage of if re-elected in order to cut down the surplus. I have no desire to maintain large surpluses; we should instead be investing in the Welsh people. But this budget delivers on our immediate priorities and kicks off large-scale investment in housing, infrastructure, health, and education, while leaving us room to expand in the future. It maintains the tax cuts brought in by the previous budget and represents an ambitious yet fiscally responsible budget for Wales. I commend it to the Senedd.
Voting shall end at 10pm BST on Friday 24th May.
20:09 UTC
WB155 | Senedd Bill | Stage 3 Vote
A
B I L L
T O
Make further provision regarding the name of Senedd Cymru, or the Welsh Parliament, and for connected purposes.
Having been passed by Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
Interpretation of Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019
1 Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019 repealed
The Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019 is repealed.
2 Validity of anything done not affected by name change
(1) Unless the context requires otherwise, a reference to any name given in subsection (3) in—
(a) any enactment (including any enactment comprised in or made under the Government of Wales Act 2006 or this Act) or prerogative instrument, or
(b) any other instrument or document
made between the day that the Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019 came into force and the day this Act comes into force is to be read as, or as including, a reference to Senedd Cymru.
(2) In this section, “Senedd Cymru” means the body corporate established by Part 1 of the Government of Wales Act 2006.
(3) The names referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a) National Assembly for Wales;
(b) Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru;
(c) Welsh Assembly;
(d) Cynulliad Cymru;
(e) Welsh Parliament;
(f) Senedd;
(g) Senedd Cymru.
Name of Senedd Cymru
3 Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament
In section 1(1) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”), for “the National Assembly for Wales” to the end substitute “Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament (referred to in this Act as “the Senedd”)”.
4 Acts of Senedd Cymru
In section 107(1) of the 2006 Act, for “the National Assembly for Wales” to the end substitute “Senedd Cymru or Deddfau Senedd Cymru (referred to in this Act as “Acts of the Senedd”)”.
5 Members to be known as Members of the Senedd
In section 1 of the 2006 Act, after subsection (2) insert—
“(2) Members of the Senedd are to be known by that name or as Aelodau o’r Senedd.”
6 Clerk of the Assembly renamed Clerk of the Senedd
In section 26(2) of the 2006 Act, for “Assembly” substitute “Senedd, Clerc y Senedd”.
7 National Assembly for Wales Commission renamed Senedd Commission
In section 27(1) of the 2006 Act, for “National Assembly for Wales Commission or Comisiwn Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru” substitute “Senedd Commission or Comisiwn y Senedd”.
8 National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards renamed Senedd Commissioner for Standards
In section 1(1) of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 (nawm 4), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
9 National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board renamed the Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd
In section 1(1) of the National Assembly for Wales (Remuneration) Measure 2010 (nawm 4), for “National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board” substitute “board to be known as the Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
10 Minor and consequential amendments
The Schedule contains minor and consequential amendments relating to this Act.
Final provisions
11 Coming into force
This Act comes into force on the day on which it receives Royal Assent.
12 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Senedd Act 2024.
SCHEDULE
MINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36)
1—Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is amended as follows—
(a) omit “The National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board”;
(b) in the appropriate place insert “The Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)
2— (1) The 2006 Act is amended as follows.
(2) In the title of Part 1, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd Cymru”.
(3) In section 1—
(a) in subsection (1), for “an Assembly” substitute “a parliament”;
(b) in subsection (3), for “Members of the Assembly (referred to in this Act as “Assembly members”)” substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(4) In section 20(8), for “National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board” substitute “Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
(5) In section 23(5), for “Assembly member’s” substitute “Member’s”.
(6) In section 126A—
(a) in subsection (9), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”;
(b) in subsection (10), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
(7) In section 150A—
(a) in the heading, for “Change of name of the Assembly etc: translation of references” substitute “Translation of references to Senedd Cymru etc.”;
(b) omit subsection (1);
(c) in subsection (2)—
(i) for “, the National Assembly for Wales Commission or an Act of the National Assembly for Wales (as the case may be), or the Welsh equivalent shown in subsection (1)” substitute “(or Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru), the National Assembly for Wales Commission (or Comisiwn Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) or Acts of the National Assembly for Wales (or Deddfau Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) (as the case may be)”;
(ii) for “new name” substitute “name given by the Senedd Act 2024”;
(d) after subsection (2) insert—
“(3) Unless the context requires otherwise, a reference to Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd Commission (or Comisiwn y Senedd) or Acts of Senedd Cymru (or Deddfau Senedd Cymru) (as the case may be), in—
(a) any enactment (including any enactment comprised in or made under this Act) or prerogative instrument, or
(b) any other instrument or document,
is to be read as including a reference to the previous name.”
(8) In section 159—
(a) omit the entry for “the Assembly” to the entry for “Assembly electoral region”;
(b) omit the entry for “Assembly member” to the entry for “Assembly’s legislative competence (in relation to Acts of the Assembly)”;
(c) insert in the appropriate places—
| “Member of the Senedd | section 1(2A)” |
| “the Senedd | section 1(1)” |
| “the Senedd Commission | section 27(1)” |
| “Senedd constituency | section 2(1)” |
| “Senedd constituency member | section 1(2)(a)” |
| “Senedd electoral region | section 2(2) and (3)” |
| “Senedd proceedings | section 1(5)” |
| “Senedd regional member | section 1(2)(b)” |
| “Senedd’s legislative competence (in relation to Acts of the Senedd) | section 108A” |
(9) In Schedule 7B, in paragraph 7(2)—
(a) in paragraph (a)—
(i) in sub-paragraph (i), for ““the National Assembly for Wales”” substitute ““Senedd Cymru””;
(ii) in sub-paragraph (xi), for ““the National Assembly for Wales Commission”” substitute ““the Senedd Commission””;
(b) in paragraph (c)(i), for ““Acts of the National Assembly for Wales”” substitute ““Acts of Senedd Cymru””.
(10) In Schedule 9A—
(a) omit the entry for “The National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards or Comisiynydd Safonau ar gyfer Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru.”;
(b) omit the entry for “The National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board or Bwrdd Taliadau Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru.”;
(c) in the appropriate place insert “The Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd or Bwrdd Taliadau Annibynnol y Senedd.”;
(d) in the appropriate place insert “The Senedd Commissioner for Standards or Comisiynydd Safonau y Senedd.”
(11) Sub-paragraphs (15) to (19) apply to every provision containing the words to be substituted by those sub-paragraphs after the amendments in Part 2 and sub-paragraphs (3) to (10) have been made, subject to sub-paragraphs (12) and (13).
(12) Sub-paragraphs (15) to (19) do not apply to—
(a) citations of enactments;
(b) repealed provisions of the 2006 Act that are saved;
(c) section 150A;
(d) paragraph 3(8) of Schedule 2;
(e) Schedule 10;
(f) Schedule 11;
(g) Schedule 12.
(13) Sub-paragraphs (18) and (19) do not apply to references to “Assembly Measure“ or “Assembly Measures”.
(14) In this paragraph, “provision” includes a title, cross-heading or heading.
(15) For “an Assembly member”, in each place where it appears, substitute “a Member of the Senedd”.
(16) For “Assembly member”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub-paragraph (15) have been made, substitute “Member of the Senedd”.
(17) For “Assembly members”, in each place where it appears, substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(18) For “an Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub- paragraphs (15), (16) and (17) have been made, substitute “a Senedd”.
(19) For “Assembly” and “Assembly’s”, in each place where they appear after the amendments in sub-paragraphs (15), (16), (17) and (18) have been made, substitute “Senedd” and “Senedd’s”, as appropriate.
National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 (nawm 4)
3—(1) The National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 is amended as follows.
(2) In the cross-heading before section 1, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
(3) In section 1—
(a) in subsections (3)(e) and (f) omit “Assembly”;
(b) in subsection (8)(c), omit “Assembly” in the second place where it appears.
(4) In section 20—
(a) in subsection (1)—
(i) omit the definition of “Assembly Member”and after the definition of “the Committee on Standards of Conduct”(but before the “and” after it) insert—
““Member of the Senedd” (“Aelod o’r Senedd”) includes—
(a) for the purposes of section 1(3)(a) and (b) only, the Counsel General even where that officer is not a Member of the Senedd, and
(b) except for the purposes of section 1(3)(a) and (b), a former Member of the Senedd,”;
(ii) in the definition of “the Commission”, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”;
(iii) in the definition of “Counsel General” omit “Assembly”;
(b) in subsection (2)(a), for “the National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd Cymru.”
(5) In the Schedule—
(a) in the heading, for “NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES” substitute “SENEDD”;
(b) in paragraph 3, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
(6) Sub-paragraphs (8) to (12) apply to every provision containing the words to be substituted by those sub-paragraphs after the amendments in Part 2 and sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) have been made, subject to sub-paragraph (7).
(7) Sub-paragraphs (8) to (12) do not apply to—
(a) citations of enactments;
(b) section 21(1).
(8) For “an Assembly Member”, in each place where it appears, substitute “a Member of the Senedd”.
(9) For “Assembly Member”, in each place where it appears after the amendment in subparagraph (8) has been made, substitute “Member of the Senedd”.
(10) For “Assembly Members”, in each place where it appears, substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(11) For “an Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in subparagraphs (8) to (10) have been made, substitute “a Senedd”.
(12) For “Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub-paragraphs (8) to (11) have been made, substitute “Senedd”.
National Assembly for Wales (Remuneration) Measure 2010 (nawm 4)
4—(1) The National Assembly for Wales (Remuneration) Measure 2010 is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading of section 1, for “National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board” substitute “Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
(3) In section 2(2)(b) and in paragraph 4 of Schedule 2, for “Assembly’s”, substitute “Senedd’s”.
(4) In section 2(4)(b) and section 14(1), for “groups of Assembly members” substitute “groups of Members”.
(5) Omit section 17.
(6) In Schedule 1, in paragraph 1—
(a) in sub-paragraph (d), for “regional Assembly member” substitute ”regional Member of the Senedd”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (g) omit “Assembly”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (h), for “group of Assembly members” substitute “group of Members”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (j), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”;
(e) in sub-paragraph (n) omit “Assembly”.
(7) Sub-paragraphs (9) to (12) apply to every provision containing the words to be substituted by those sub-paragraphs after the amendments in Part 2 and sub-paragraphs (3) to (6) have been made, subject to sub-paragraph (8).
(8) Sub-paragraphs (9) to (12) do not apply to—
(a) citations of enactments;
(b) sections 15, 19 and 20;
(c) paragraph 1(e) of Schedule 1;
(d) Schedule 3.
(9) For “an Assembly member”, in each place where it appears, substitute “a Member of the Senedd”.
(10) For “Assembly members”, in each place where it appears, substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(11) For “an Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub- paragraphs (9) and (10) have been made, substitute “a Senedd”.
(12) For “Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub-paragraphs (9), (10) and (11) have been made, substitute “Senedd”.
This Bill was authored by the Rt Hon /u/lily-irl MS, First Minister, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
- Drafted from the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1).
- The Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32).
- The Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019.
Llywydd,
It has come to the Government’s attention that the National Assembly for Wales was not properly renamed to Senedd Cymru back in 2019. For one, it renames this body to the ‘Welsh Parliament, or Senedd’, not ‘Senedd Cymru’. It does not rename ancillary bodies like the Assembly Commission or Acts of the National Assembly for Wales to Acts of Senedd Cymru.
This Bill makes those necessary consequential changes, and provides that they shall be construed to have retroactive effect, ensuring that the legal issues that were introduced by the 2019 Act are obviated and the renaming of this legislature is completed.
Finally, I wish to ask the Presiding Officer to certify that this Bill pertains to protected subject-matter under section 111A of the Government of Wales Act 2006.
I commend this Bill to the Senedd.
Voting shall end at 10pm BST on May 12th.
17:45 UTC
WB154 | Mesh Implant (Ban) Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Mesh Implant (Ban) Bill
A BILL TO
Ban the usage of Mesh Implants
Be It Enacted by being passed in Senedd Cymru and assented to by His Majesty as follows—
Section 1: Definitions
(1) "mesh implant" is defined as a net-like implant used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Section 2: Ban of use
(1) The usage of mesh implants will be prohibited.
(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable for a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale
Section 3: Short Title and Commencement
(1) This act may be cited as the Mesh Implant (Ban) Act 2024.
(2) This act will come into effect immediately after receiving Royal Assent.
This bill was written by Her Grace Duchess of Enniskillen, Marchioness of Omagh, Lady Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dame Lady_Aya, LP LD GCVO DCT DCMG PC on behalf of Plaid Cymru.
Opening Speech:
Llywydd ,
Today I rise to support a move to support the people of Wales as I did for that of Northern Ireland. For those unaware of the device, mesh implants have caused debilitative harm for those unfortunate to have a mesh implants.
As I said with the introduction of the bill in Northern Ireland, mesh implants do come from a place I believe is understandable. The goal of mesh implants, at the very least, is to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. However, given the evidence from the irreparable harm caused by these implants, I believe we must take the step to ban them here in Walds. This step has already been taken by several countries, including Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and not to mention Northern Ireland.
This vote shall end at 10pm BST on May 5th.
20:43 UTC
WB155 | Senedd Bill | Stage 1 Vote
A
B I L L
T O
Make further provision regarding the name of Senedd Cymru, or the Welsh Parliament, and for connected purposes.
Having been passed by Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
Interpretation of Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019
1 Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019 repealed
The Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019 is repealed.
2 Validity of anything done not affected by name change
(1) Unless the context requires otherwise, a reference to any name given in subsection (3) in—
(a) any enactment (including any enactment comprised in or made under the Government of Wales Act 2006 or this Act) or prerogative instrument, or
(b) any other instrument or document
made between the day that the Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019 came into force and the day this Act comes into force is to be read as, or as including, a reference to Senedd Cymru.
(2) In this section, “Senedd Cymru” means the body corporate established by Part 1 of the Government of Wales Act 2006.
(3) The names referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a) National Assembly for Wales;
(b) Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru;
(c) Welsh Assembly;
(d) Cynulliad Cymru;
(e) Welsh Parliament;
(f) Senedd;
(g) Senedd Cymru.
Name of Senedd Cymru
3 Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament
In section 1(1) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”), for “the National Assembly for Wales” to the end substitute “Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament (referred to in this Act as “the Senedd”)”.
4 Acts of Senedd Cymru
In section 107(1) of the 2006 Act, for “the National Assembly for Wales” to the end substitute “Senedd Cymru or Deddfau Senedd Cymru (referred to in this Act as “Acts of the Senedd”)”.
5 Members to be known as Members of the Senedd
In section 1 of the 2006 Act, after subsection (2) insert—
“(2) Members of the Senedd are to be known by that name or as Aelodau o’r Senedd.”
6 Clerk of the Assembly renamed Clerk of the Senedd
In section 26(2) of the 2006 Act, for “Assembly” substitute “Senedd, Clerc y Senedd”.
7 National Assembly for Wales Commission renamed Senedd Commission
In section 27(1) of the 2006 Act, for “National Assembly for Wales Commission or Comisiwn Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru” substitute “Senedd Commission or Comisiwn y Senedd”.
8 National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards renamed Senedd Commissioner for Standards
In section 1(1) of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 (nawm 4), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
9 National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board renamed the Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd
In section 1(1) of the National Assembly for Wales (Remuneration) Measure 2010 (nawm 4), for “National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board” substitute “board to be known as the Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
10 Minor and consequential amendments
The Schedule contains minor and consequential amendments relating to this Act.
Final provisions
11 Coming into force
This Act comes into force on the day on which it receives Royal Assent.
12 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Senedd Act 2024.
SCHEDULE
MINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36)
1—Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is amended as follows—
(a) omit “The National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board”;
(b) in the appropriate place insert “The Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)
2— (1) The 2006 Act is amended as follows.
(2) In the title of Part 1, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd Cymru”.
(3) In section 1—
(a) in subsection (1), for “an Assembly” substitute “a parliament”;
(b) in subsection (3), for “Members of the Assembly (referred to in this Act as “Assembly members”)” substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(4) In section 20(8), for “National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board” substitute “Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
(5) In section 23(5), for “Assembly member’s” substitute “Member’s”.
(6) In section 126A—
(a) in subsection (9), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”;
(b) in subsection (10), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
(7) In section 150A—
(a) in the heading, for “Change of name of the Assembly etc: translation of references” substitute “Translation of references to Senedd Cymru etc.”;
(b) omit subsection (1);
(c) in subsection (2)—
(i) for “, the National Assembly for Wales Commission or an Act of the National Assembly for Wales (as the case may be), or the Welsh equivalent shown in subsection (1)” substitute “(or Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru), the National Assembly for Wales Commission (or Comisiwn Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) or Acts of the National Assembly for Wales (or Deddfau Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) (as the case may be)”;
(ii) for “new name” substitute “name given by the Senedd Act 2024”;
(d) after subsection (2) insert—
“(3) Unless the context requires otherwise, a reference to Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd Commission (or Comisiwn y Senedd) or Acts of Senedd Cymru (or Deddfau Senedd Cymru) (as the case may be), in—
(a) any enactment (including any enactment comprised in or made under this Act) or prerogative instrument, or
(b) any other instrument or document,
is to be read as including a reference to the previous name.”
(8) In section 159—
(a) omit the entry for “the Assembly” to the entry for “Assembly electoral region”;
(b) omit the entry for “Assembly member” to the entry for “Assembly’s legislative competence (in relation to Acts of the Assembly)”;
(c) insert in the appropriate places—
| “Member of the Senedd | section 1(2A)” |
| “the Senedd | section 1(1)” |
| “the Senedd Commission | section 27(1)” |
| “Senedd constituency | section 2(1)” |
| “Senedd constituency member | section 1(2)(a)” |
| “Senedd electoral region | section 2(2) and (3)” |
| “Senedd proceedings | section 1(5)” |
| “Senedd regional member | section 1(2)(b)” |
| “Senedd’s legislative competence (in relation to Acts of the Senedd) | section 108A” |
(9) In Schedule 7B, in paragraph 7(2)—
(a) in paragraph (a)—
(i) in sub-paragraph (i), for ““the National Assembly for Wales”” substitute ““Senedd Cymru””;
(ii) in sub-paragraph (xi), for ““the National Assembly for Wales Commission”” substitute ““the Senedd Commission””;
(b) in paragraph (c)(i), for ““Acts of the National Assembly for Wales”” substitute ““Acts of Senedd Cymru””.
(10) In Schedule 9A—
(a) omit the entry for “The National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards or Comisiynydd Safonau ar gyfer Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru.”;
(b) omit the entry for “The National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board or Bwrdd Taliadau Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru.”;
(c) in the appropriate place insert “The Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd or Bwrdd Taliadau Annibynnol y Senedd.”;
(d) in the appropriate place insert “The Senedd Commissioner for Standards or Comisiynydd Safonau y Senedd.”
(11) Sub-paragraphs (15) to (19) apply to every provision containing the words to be substituted by those sub-paragraphs after the amendments in Part 2 and sub-paragraphs (3) to (10) have been made, subject to sub-paragraphs (12) and (13).
(12) Sub-paragraphs (15) to (19) do not apply to—
(a) citations of enactments;
(b) repealed provisions of the 2006 Act that are saved;
(c) section 150A;
(d) paragraph 3(8) of Schedule 2;
(e) Schedule 10;
(f) Schedule 11;
(g) Schedule 12.
(13) Sub-paragraphs (18) and (19) do not apply to references to “Assembly Measure“ or “Assembly Measures”.
(14) In this paragraph, “provision” includes a title, cross-heading or heading.
(15) For “an Assembly member”, in each place where it appears, substitute “a Member of the Senedd”.
(16) For “Assembly member”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub-paragraph (15) have been made, substitute “Member of the Senedd”.
(17) For “Assembly members”, in each place where it appears, substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(18) For “an Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub- paragraphs (15), (16) and (17) have been made, substitute “a Senedd”.
(19) For “Assembly” and “Assembly’s”, in each place where they appear after the amendments in sub-paragraphs (15), (16), (17) and (18) have been made, substitute “Senedd” and “Senedd’s”, as appropriate.
National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 (nawm 4)
3—(1) The National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 is amended as follows.
(2) In the cross-heading before section 1, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
(3) In section 1—
(a) in subsections (3)(e) and (f) omit “Assembly”;
(b) in subsection (8)(c), omit “Assembly” in the second place where it appears.
(4) In section 20—
(a) in subsection (1)—
(i) omit the definition of “Assembly Member”and after the definition of “the Committee on Standards of Conduct”(but before the “and” after it) insert—
““Member of the Senedd” (“Aelod o’r Senedd”) includes—
(a) for the purposes of section 1(3)(a) and (b) only, the Counsel General even where that officer is not a Member of the Senedd, and
(b) except for the purposes of section 1(3)(a) and (b), a former Member of the Senedd,”;
(ii) in the definition of “the Commission”, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”;
(iii) in the definition of “Counsel General” omit “Assembly”;
(b) in subsection (2)(a), for “the National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd Cymru.”
(5) In the Schedule—
(a) in the heading, for “NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES” substitute “SENEDD”;
(b) in paragraph 3, for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”.
(6) Sub-paragraphs (8) to (12) apply to every provision containing the words to be substituted by those sub-paragraphs after the amendments in Part 2 and sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) have been made, subject to sub-paragraph (7).
(7) Sub-paragraphs (8) to (12) do not apply to—
(a) citations of enactments;
(b) section 21(1).
(8) For “an Assembly Member”, in each place where it appears, substitute “a Member of the Senedd”.
(9) For “Assembly Member”, in each place where it appears after the amendment in subparagraph (8) has been made, substitute “Member of the Senedd”.
(10) For “Assembly Members”, in each place where it appears, substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(11) For “an Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in subparagraphs (8) to (10) have been made, substitute “a Senedd”.
(12) For “Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub-paragraphs (8) to (11) have been made, substitute “Senedd”.
National Assembly for Wales (Remuneration) Measure 2010 (nawm 4)
4—(1) The National Assembly for Wales (Remuneration) Measure 2010 is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading of section 1, for “National Assembly for Wales Remuneration Board” substitute “Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd”.
(3) In section 2(2)(b) and in paragraph 4 of Schedule 2, for “Assembly’s”, substitute “Senedd’s”.
(4) In section 2(4)(b) and section 14(1), for “groups of Assembly members” substitute “groups of Members”.
(5) Omit section 17.
(6) In Schedule 1, in paragraph 1—
(a) in sub-paragraph (d), for “regional Assembly member” substitute ”regional Member of the Senedd”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (g) omit “Assembly”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (h), for “group of Assembly members” substitute “group of Members”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (j), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute “Senedd”;
(e) in sub-paragraph (n) omit “Assembly”.
(7) Sub-paragraphs (9) to (12) apply to every provision containing the words to be substituted by those sub-paragraphs after the amendments in Part 2 and sub-paragraphs (3) to (6) have been made, subject to sub-paragraph (8).
(8) Sub-paragraphs (9) to (12) do not apply to—
(a) citations of enactments;
(b) sections 15, 19 and 20;
(c) paragraph 1(e) of Schedule 1;
(d) Schedule 3.
(9) For “an Assembly member”, in each place where it appears, substitute “a Member of the Senedd”.
(10) For “Assembly members”, in each place where it appears, substitute “Members of the Senedd”.
(11) For “an Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub- paragraphs (9) and (10) have been made, substitute “a Senedd”.
(12) For “Assembly”, in each place where it appears after the amendments in sub-paragraphs (9), (10) and (11) have been made, substitute “Senedd”.
This Bill was authored by the Rt Hon /u/lily-irl MS, First Minister, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
- Drafted from the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1).
- The Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32).
- The Welsh Parliament (Wales) Act 2019.
Llywydd,
It has come to the Government’s attention that the National Assembly for Wales was not properly renamed to Senedd Cymru back in 2019. For one, it renames this body to the ‘Welsh Parliament, or Senedd’, not ‘Senedd Cymru’. It does not rename ancillary bodies like the Assembly Commission or Acts of the National Assembly for Wales to Acts of Senedd Cymru.
This Bill makes those necessary consequential changes, and provides that they shall be construed to have retroactive effect, ensuring that the legal issues that were introduced by the 2019 Act are obviated and the renaming of this legislature is completed.
Finally, I wish to ask the Presiding Officer to certify that this Bill pertains to protected subject-matter under section 111A of the Government of Wales Act 2006.
I commend this Bill to the Senedd.
Voting shall end at 10pm BST on April 28th.
20:04 UTC
WB153 | Housing (Wales) Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Housing (Wales) Bill
A
B I L L
T O
Make provision regarding housing in Wales, and for connected purposes.
Having been passed by Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
PART I. RIGHT TO BUY
Transitional provision concerning the right to buy and the right to acquire
1 Restriction on exercising the right to buy
(1) The Housing Act 1985 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 121 (circumstances in which the the right to buy cannot be exercised), insert—
“121ZA Restriction on exercising the right to buy in Wales
(1) The right to buy cannot be exercised in respect of a dwelling-house in Wales unless—
(a) the dwelling-house is from previously let social housing stock, or
(b) any of the cases specified in section 121ZB applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling-house.
(2) For the purposes of this Part—
(a) a dwelling-house is from previously let social housing stock if, at any time during the period of six months ending with the relevant date, it has been—
(i) let under a secure tenancy,
(ii) let under an introductory tenancy (within the meaning given by Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the Housing Act 1996),
(iii) let under a demoted tenancy (within the meaning given by section 143A of the Housing Act 1996), or
(iv) a qualifying dwelling-house in relation to the preserved right to buy (see section 171B);
(b) “relevant date” means the day on which section 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2024 comes into force.
(3) This section does not affect the computation of any period under Schedule 4.”
(3) In section 171B (extent of the preserved right to buy), after subsection (6), insert—
“(7) Nothing in subsection (6) gives a person the right to exercise the preserved right to buy in respect of a dwelling-house in Wales unless—
(a) the dwelling-house is from previously let social housing stock (see section 121ZA), or
(b) any of the cases specified in section 121ZB applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling-house.”
2 Exceptions to the restriction on exercising the right to buy
(1) The Housing Act 1985 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 121ZA (restriction on exercising the right to buy in Wales), insert—
“121ZB Exceptions to restriction on exercising the right to buy in Wales
(1) The first case applies in respect of a dwelling-house (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) after the relevant date, the court orders a person who has the right to buy to give up possession of a dwelling-house,
(b) the order is made on any of the grounds set out in Parts 2 or 3 of Schedule 2,
(c) the person becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(d) the exempted dwelling is suitable alternative accommodation for the purposes of the order.
(2) The second case applies in respect of a dwelling-house (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) after the relevant date, the court orders a person who has the preserved right to buy (see section 171B) to give up possession of a dwelling-house,
(b) the order is made—
(i) on Ground 9 in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (possession of dwelling-house let under assured tenancy on grounds that there is suitable alternative accommodation), or
(ii) in pursuance of section 98(1)(a) of the Rent Act 1977 (limitation on recovery of possession of dwelling-houses let under certain tenancies),
(c) the person becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(d) the exempted dwelling is suitable alternative accommodation for the purposes of the order.
(3) The third case applies in respect of a dwelling-house (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) the exempted dwelling has, at some time during the period of six months ending with the relevant date, been let by a registered social landlord or a private registered provider of social housing under an assured tenancy (other than a long tenancy),
(b) after the relevant date, a person having the preserved right to buy in respect of another dwelling-house (“the relevant dwelling-house”) becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(c) the exempted dwelling becomes the relevant dwelling-house for the purposes of section 171B(6).
(4) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, amend this section by adding additional cases.
(5) Regulations under subsection (4) may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of Senedd Cymru.”
3 Restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) The Housing Act 1996 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 16A (extension of the right to acquire to dwellings funded by grants under section 27A), insert—
“16B Restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) But the right to acquire cannot be exercised in respect of a dwelling unless—
(a) the dwelling is from previously let social housing stock, or
(b) section 16C applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling.
(2) For the purposes of this Part—
(a) a dwelling is from previously let social housing stock if, at any time during the period of six months ending with the relevant date—
(i) it has been let by a registered social landlord or a private registered provider of social housing under an assured tenancy (other than a long tenancy), or
(ii) it has been let under a secure tenancy, and
(b) “relevant date” means the day on which section 3 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2024 comes into force.
(3) This section does not affect the computation of any period under Schedule 4 to the Housing Act 1985.”
(3) In section 16 (right of tenant to acquire dwelling), in subsection (1), at the beginning, insert “Subject to section 16B,”.
(4) In section 21 (purchase grant in respect of certain disposals), after subsection (2), insert—
“(2A) But subsection (2) does not apply in respect of a discount on a disposal of a dwelling unless—
(a) the dwelling is from previously let social housing stock, or
(b) section 16C applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling.”
4 Exception to the restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) The Housing Act 1996 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 16B (restriction on exercising the right to acquire), insert—
“16C Exception to restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) This section applies in respect of a dwelling (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) after the relevant date, the court has ordered a person to give up possession of a dwelling,
(b) the order is made—
(i) on any of the grounds set out in Parts 2 or 3 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985 (discretionary grounds for possession of dwelling let under secure tenancy), or
(ii) on Ground 9 in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (possession of dwelling let under assured tenancy on grounds that there is suitable alternative accommodation),
(c) the person becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(d) the exempted dwelling is suitable alternative accommodation for the purposes of the order.
(2) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, amend this section by making provision for further circumstances in which this section applies in respect of a dwelling.
(3) Regulations under subsection (2) may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of Senedd Cymru.”
Suspension of the right to buy and the right to acquire
5 Suspension of the right to buy and the right to acquire
(1) In this section—
(a) “suspension period” refers to the period of ten years beginning on the appointed day, and
(b) “appointed day” means a day that the Welsh Ministers may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint that is no sooner than the day six months after sections 1 through 4 of this Act come into force.
(2) During the suspension period, the following rights do not exist in relation to dwellings in Wales—
(a) the right to acquire the freehold of a dwelling-house, or to be granted a lease of a dwelling-house, pursuant to Part 5 of the Housing Act 1985 (the right to buy);
(b) the right to acquire a dwelling pursuant to section 16 of the Housing Act 1996 (the right to acquire).
(3) Accordingly—
(a) the following enactments are repealed on the appointed day—
(i) sections 1 and 2 of this Act (restriction on exercising the right to buy etc.), and sections 121ZA, 121ZB and 171B(7) of the Housing Act 1985 (inserted by sections 1 and 2 of this Act);
(ii) sections 3 and 4 of this Act (restriction on exercising the right to acquire etc.), and sections 16B, 16C and 21(2A) of the Housing Act 1996 (inserted by sections 3 and 4 of this Act),
(b) the enactments specified in Schedule 1 cease to have force during the suspension period, and
(c) Schedule 2 (which makes consequential amendments pertaining to the suspension period) has effect.
6 Power to make consequential amendments by regulations
(1) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations, make any supplemental, incidental, consequential, transitory, transitional or saving provision they consider necessary or expedient in consequence of, or for the purpose of giving full effect to, any provision of this Act or any provision made under this Act.
(2) Regulations under this section may amend, repeal, revoke or modify any enactment (including a provision of this Act).
(3) If this subsection applies, regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of Senedd Cymru.
(4) Subsection (3) applies where regulations under this section amend, modify or repeal any provision of an Act of Parliament or a Measure or Act of Senedd Cymru, whether or not the statutory instrument contains any other regulations.
(5) Where subsection (3) does not apply, regulations under this section are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of Senedd Cymru.
PART II. WELSH HOUSING AUTHORITY
Incorporation and membership
7 The Welsh Housing Authority
The Welsh Housing Authority, or Asiantaeth Tai Cymru, is established.
8 Membership of the Authority
(1) The membership of the Authority shall be—
(a) a Chair, appointed by the Welsh Ministers,
(b) one member appointed by each local housing authority in Wales (the “local authority members”), and
(c) additional members as the Welsh Ministers may appoint (the “additional members”).
(2) The Welsh Ministers may terminate the appointment of the Chair or any one of the additional members.
(3) A local housing authority may terminate the appointment of the local authority member that it appointed.
(4) If a member of the Authority is appointed Chair—
(a) that person ceases to be a local authority member or additional member (as the case may be), and
(b) if that person was a local authority member, the relevant local housing authority shall appoint a replacement member.
(5) Schedule 3 (which makes further provision regarding the Welsh Housing Authority) has effect.
Powers of the Authority
9 Exercise of powers by the Authority
Any power exercisable by a local housing authority in Wales under the Housing Act 1985 is exercisable by the Authority.
10 Exercise of powers by local housing authorities
(1) Any power exercisable by a local housing authority in Wales is subject to disallowance by the Authority, subject as follows.
(2) Within the period ending one month after the day on which a local housing authority exercises some power, the Authority may issue a notice of potential disallowance to the local housing authority.
(3) During the period ending six months after the day on which the authority issues the notice of potential disallowance—
(a) the exercise of powers by the local housing authority shall be treated as disallowed, and
(b) the local housing authority may not exercise a substantially similar power pertaining to the same issue as the power disallowed.
(4) During that period, the Authority may issue a notice of final disallowance.
(5) If the Authority issues a notice of final disallowance, then the exercise of power is disallowed.
(6) But if the Authority does not issue such a notice during the period, then the exercise of power may not then be disallowed.
11 Notice of final disallowance: appeal to the Welsh Ministers
(1) A local housing authority to which a notice of final disallowance has been issued may appeal to the Welsh Ministers.
(2) The Welsh Ministers may set aside a notice of final disallowance (whether or not on appeal).
(3) If the Welsh Ministers set aside a notice of final disallowance—
(a) the Authority may not make another substantially similar notice, and
(b) the power is exercisable immediately by the local housing authority, whether or not any period of time mentioned in section 10 has concluded.
12 Standards for social housing
(1) The Authority may from time to time issue standards of construction and maintenance for social housing.
(2) These standards shall apply to housing owned by the Authority and by local housing authorities in Wales.
(3) These standards may apply, with any variations as the standards shall prescribe, to the Social Rented Sector (within the meaning given by Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996).
(4) When making the standards, the Authority must consider representations from—
(a) the Welsh Ministers,
(b) the local housing authorities in Wales,
(c) social landlords, and
(d) social tenants.
Transfer of existing social housing stock
13 Transfer of social housing stock to the Authority
The Authority may, with the consent of the Welsh Ministers, take into its possession any housing owned by a local housing authority in Wales.
14 Transfer of newly built social housing stock to local housing authorities
The Authority may, with the consent of the relevant local housing authority, transfer any social housing stock it has built to a local housing authority in Wales.
Miscellaneous provisions concerning the Authority
15 Directions by the Welsh Ministers
(1) The Secretary of State may make such directions, determinations, or objectives as relates to the operation of the Authority that are necessary or expedient for its internal structure, operation, and provision of services.
(2) The Authority must have regard to such directions, determinations, or objectives.
16 Part II: Interpretation
In this Part—
“the Authority” means the Welsh Housing Authority;
“local housing authority” has the meaning given in section 1 of the Housing Act 1985;
“social landlord” means a registered social landlord with the meaning given in Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996;
“social tenant” means a person who lives in—
(a) a dwelling owned by the Authority or a local housing authority, or
(b) a rented dwelling owned by a social landlord.
PART III. FINAL PROVISIONS
17 Coming into force
(1) The following provisions come into force on the day which this Act is passed—
(a) In Part I, sections 5 and 6;
(b) In Part II, sections 7 and 8;
(c) Part III.
(2) Subject to subsection (1) above, this Act comes into force six months after the day on which it is passed.
18 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Housing (Wales) Act 2024.
S C H E D U L E S.
SCHEDULE 1.
ENACTMENTS CEASING TO HAVE FORCE DURING THE SUSPENSION PERIOD.
| Act. | Citation. | Provisions ceasing to have force. |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Act 1981. | 1981 c. 35. | Subsection 107(3C). |
| Housing Act 1988. | 1988 c. 50. | In subsection 81(8), paragraph (ab), the words from “or Part I” to the end of the paragraph. |
| Housing Act 1996. | 1996 c. 52. | Subsection 10(3); section 16; section 16A; section 17; section 20; in subsection 24(2)— (a) in paragraph (a)(i), the words “section 16 above or”; (b) paragraph (b); (c) in paragraph (c), the words “(b) or”. |
| Finance Act 2003. | 2003 c. 14. | In Schedule 9, sub-paragraph 1(5). |
| Housing and Regeneration Act 2008. | 2008 c. 17. | In section 62, in the table, in the first column, the reference to section 17(1), (2)(b), (5)(b) and (6), as well as the corresponding entry in the second column; in section 63, in the table, in the first column, the reference to section 17(7), as well as the corresponding entry in the second column; in subsection 149(8), paragraph (b) and the “or” preceding it; section 185. |
| Housing (Wales) Measure 2011. | 2011 nawm 5. | Part 1; in section 89, subsections (2) to (4). |
SCHEDULE 2.
ENACTMENTS AMENDED DURING THE SUSPENSION PERIOD.
1 Any amendment made by this Schedule has effect during the suspension period.
2 After the conclusion of the suspension period, the amendments made by this Schedule cease to have force, and the principal Act shall operate as though the amendments had never been made.
3— (1) The Housing Act 2004 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 192 (right to buy: suspension by court order), in subsection (3), for paragraph (b) substitute—
“(b) section 184 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17) (application of that Part in relation to the right to acquire a dwelling in England),”.
(3) In section 194 (disclosure of information as to orders etc. in respect of anti-social behaviour), in subsection (4), for paragraph (b) substitute—
“(b) section 184 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17) (application of that Part in relation to the right to acquire a dwelling in England),”.
4—
(1) The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 181 (interpretation of “publicly funded”), in subsection (6), in paragraph (b), for “under section 16(4) of that Act” substitute “by the Welsh Ministers”.
(3) In section 184 (right to acquire: supplemental), for subsections (1) and (2) substitute—
“(1) The Secretary of State may by order—
(a) specify the amount or rate of discount to be given on the exercise of the right conferred by section 180, and
(b) designate rural areas in relation to dwellings in which the right conferred by that section does not arise.
(2) The provisions of Part 5 of the Housing Act 1985 apply in relation to the right to acquire under section 180—
(a) subject to any order under subsection (1) above, and
(b) subject to such other exceptions, adaptations and other modifications as may be specified by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(3) The regulations may provide—
(a) that the powers of the Secretary of State under sections 164 to 170 of that Act (powers to intervene, give directions or assist) do not apply,
(b) that paragraphs 1 and 3 (exceptions for charities and certain housing associations), and paragraph 11 (right of appeal to Secretary of State), of Schedule 5 to that Act do not apply,
(c) that the provisions of Part 5 of that Act relating to the right to acquire on rent to mortgage terms do not apply,
(d) that the provisions of that Part relating to restrictions on disposals in National Parks etc. do not apply, and
(e) that the provisions of that Part relating to the preserved right to buy do not apply.
Nothing in this subsection affects the generality of the power conferred by subsection (2).
(4) The specified exceptions, adaptations and other modifications shall take the form of textual amendments of the provisions of Part 5 of that Act as they apply in relation to the right to buy under that Part; and any consolidating regulations shall set out the provisions of Part 5 as they so apply.
(5) Before making an order which would have the effect that an area ceased to be designated under subsection (1)(b), the Secretary of State shall consult—
(a) the local housing authority or authorities in whose district the area or any part of it is situated or, if the order is general in its effect, local housing authorities in general, and
(b) such bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to be representative of private registered providers as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(6) Regulations made under this section are consolidating regulations if they are made for the purposes of consolidating other regulations that are being revoked in the instrument containing the consolidating regulations.”
(2) In section 320 (orders and regulations), in subsection (7), after paragraph (a), insert—
“(aa) an order or regulations of the Secretary of State under section 184,”.
4—
(1) The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 7 (regulations about powers to require information), in subsection (7), in paragraph (e)(ii), after “under section 16 of the Housing Act 1996”, insert “before the suspension of that section by the Housing (Wales) Act 2024 came into force”.
5—
(1) The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is amended as follows.
(2) In Schedule 2, in paragraph 8 (meaning of “long tenancy”), in sub-paragraph (1)(c), for “as it has effect” substitute “as that Part had effect”.
SCHEDULE 3.
FURTHER PROVISION REGARDING THE WELSH HOUSING AUTHORITY.
1 Employees of the Welsh Housing Authority
(1) The employees of the Welsh Housing Authority who are not members shall be appointed to and hold their employments on such terms and conditions, including terms and conditions as to remuneration, as the Authority may determine.
(2) If the Authority so determines in the case of any of the employees of the Authority who are not executive members, the Authority shall—
(a) pay to or in respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or
(b) provide and maintain for them such pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Authority may determine.
2 Finances of the Welsh Housing Authority
(1) It is the duty of the Authority to keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts.
(2) The Welsh Ministers may make grants to the Authority, which shall be paid out of money provided by Senedd Cymru.
(3) Any excess of the Authority’s revenues for any financial year over the sums required by them for that year for meeting their obligations and carrying out their functions shall be payable into the Welsh Consolidated Fund.
This Bill was authored by the Rt Hon /u/lily-irl MS, First Minister, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Acts referenced:
- Housing Act 1985
- Housing Act 1996
- Finance Act 1981
- Housing Act 1988
- Finance Act 2003
- Housing Act 2004
- Housing and Regeneration Act 2008
- Housing (Wales) Measure 2011
- Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013
- Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
Part I of this Bill and schedules 1 and 2 are largely taken from the Abolition of the Right to Buy and Associated Rights Act 2018 (anaw 1).
Llywydd,
This Government was elected on a promise to massively invest in social housing. It is a promise to guarantee everyone who needs it a good, safe home. It is a promise to build housing to meet the demand that has grown. It is a promise to enable people to keep living in the communities they have grown up in, instead of being priced out. It is a promise to build and maintain homes to the highest standard that we can. It is a promise to end the decimation of our social housing stock that has been underway since the Thatcher administration. This Bill makes good on that promise.
Part 1 of this Bill suspends the right to buy and right to acquire for a period of ten years. For the six months after this Bill passes, the right to buy will be restricted–those who are in the process, or about to enter the process, of exercising the right to buy will still be allowed to do so. However, we put the right to buy on notice. And newbuild social housing will be restricted immediately. After this six month period, however, this Bill implements a ten year moratorium on the right to buy, allowing us vital time to replenish social housing stock and meet our target of eradicating homelessness in Wales.
Part 2 of this Bill creates Asiantaeth Tai Cymru—the Welsh Housing Authority. This Authority will commence a programme of building social housing unprecedented in modern times. This statutory corporation will also take over the operation of some social housing from some struggling public authorities. Additionally, the Authority will set standards of construction and maintenance for social housing—ensuring everyone who is given a socialised home is given a good, safe home.
This Bill is the sort of bold action that Wales needs to solve the housing crisis. This Government is taking action and delivering for the Welsh people on the important issues, and I am proud to commend this Bill to the Siambr.
Voting shall end at 10pm BST on April 28th.
20:03 UTC
WB154 | Mesh Implant (Ban) Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Mesh Implant (Ban) Bill
A BILL TO
Ban the usage of Mesh Implants
Be It Enacted by being passed in Senedd Cymru and assented to by His Majesty as follows—
Section 1: Definitions
(1) "mesh implant" is defined as a net-like implant used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Section 2: Ban of use
(1) The usage of mesh implants will be prohibited.
(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable for a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale
Section 3: Short Title and Commencement
(1) This act may be cited as the Mesh Implant (Ban) Act 2024.
(2) This act will come into effect immediately after receiving Royal Assent.
This bill was written by Her Grace Duchess of Enniskillen, Marchioness of Omagh, Lady Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dame Lady_Aya, LP LD GCVO DCT DCMG PC on behalf of Plaid Cymru.
Opening Speech:
Llywydd ,
Today I rise to support a move to support the people of Wales as I did for that of Northern Ireland. For those unaware of the device, mesh implants have caused debilitative harm for those unfortunate to have a mesh implants.
As I said with the introduction of the bill in Northern Ireland, mesh implants do come from a place I believe is understandable. The goal of mesh implants, at the very least, is to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. However, given the evidence from the irreparable harm caused by these implants, I believe we must take the step to ban them here in Walds. This step has already been taken by several countries, including Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and not to mention Northern Ireland.
This debate will close on Monday 22nd April at 10pm BST.
12:03 UTC
WB153 | Housing (Wales) Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Housing (Wales) Bill
A
B I L L
T O
Make provision regarding housing in Wales, and for connected purposes.
Having been passed by Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
PART I. RIGHT TO BUY
Transitional provision concerning the right to buy and the right to acquire
1 Restriction on exercising the right to buy
(1) The Housing Act 1985 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 121 (circumstances in which the the right to buy cannot be exercised), insert—
“121ZA Restriction on exercising the right to buy in Wales
(1) The right to buy cannot be exercised in respect of a dwelling-house in Wales unless—
(a) the dwelling-house is from previously let social housing stock, or
(b) any of the cases specified in section 121ZB applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling-house.
(2) For the purposes of this Part—
(a) a dwelling-house is from previously let social housing stock if, at any time during the period of six months ending with the relevant date, it has been—
(i) let under a secure tenancy,
(ii) let under an introductory tenancy (within the meaning given by Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the Housing Act 1996),
(iii) let under a demoted tenancy (within the meaning given by section 143A of the Housing Act 1996), or
(iv) a qualifying dwelling-house in relation to the preserved right to buy (see section 171B);
(b) “relevant date” means the day on which section 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2024 comes into force.
(3) This section does not affect the computation of any period under Schedule 4.”
(3) In section 171B (extent of the preserved right to buy), after subsection (6), insert—
“(7) Nothing in subsection (6) gives a person the right to exercise the preserved right to buy in respect of a dwelling-house in Wales unless—
(a) the dwelling-house is from previously let social housing stock (see section 121ZA), or
(b) any of the cases specified in section 121ZB applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling-house.”
2 Exceptions to the restriction on exercising the right to buy
(1) The Housing Act 1985 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 121ZA (restriction on exercising the right to buy in Wales), insert—
“121ZB Exceptions to restriction on exercising the right to buy in Wales
(1) The first case applies in respect of a dwelling-house (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) after the relevant date, the court orders a person who has the right to buy to give up possession of a dwelling-house,
(b) the order is made on any of the grounds set out in Parts 2 or 3 of Schedule 2,
(c) the person becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(d) the exempted dwelling is suitable alternative accommodation for the purposes of the order.
(2) The second case applies in respect of a dwelling-house (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) after the relevant date, the court orders a person who has the preserved right to buy (see section 171B) to give up possession of a dwelling-house,
(b) the order is made—
(i) on Ground 9 in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (possession of dwelling-house let under assured tenancy on grounds that there is suitable alternative accommodation), or
(ii) in pursuance of section 98(1)(a) of the Rent Act 1977 (limitation on recovery of possession of dwelling-houses let under certain tenancies),
(c) the person becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(d) the exempted dwelling is suitable alternative accommodation for the purposes of the order.
(3) The third case applies in respect of a dwelling-house (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) the exempted dwelling has, at some time during the period of six months ending with the relevant date, been let by a registered social landlord or a private registered provider of social housing under an assured tenancy (other than a long tenancy),
(b) after the relevant date, a person having the preserved right to buy in respect of another dwelling-house (“the relevant dwelling-house”) becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(c) the exempted dwelling becomes the relevant dwelling-house for the purposes of section 171B(6).
(4) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, amend this section by adding additional cases.
(5) Regulations under subsection (4) may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of Senedd Cymru.”
3 Restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) The Housing Act 1996 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 16A (extension of the right to acquire to dwellings funded by grants under section 27A), insert—
“16B Restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) But the right to acquire cannot be exercised in respect of a dwelling unless—
(a) the dwelling is from previously let social housing stock, or
(b) section 16C applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling.
(2) For the purposes of this Part—
(a) a dwelling is from previously let social housing stock if, at any time during the period of six months ending with the relevant date—
(i) it has been let by a registered social landlord or a private registered provider of social housing under an assured tenancy (other than a long tenancy), or
(ii) it has been let under a secure tenancy, and
(b) “relevant date” means the day on which section 3 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2024 comes into force.
(3) This section does not affect the computation of any period under Schedule 4 to the Housing Act 1985.”
(3) In section 16 (right of tenant to acquire dwelling), in subsection (1), at the beginning, insert “Subject to section 16B,”.
(4) In section 21 (purchase grant in respect of certain disposals), after subsection (2), insert—
“(2A) But subsection (2) does not apply in respect of a discount on a disposal of a dwelling unless—
(a) the dwelling is from previously let social housing stock, or
(b) section 16C applies, or has applied, in respect of the dwelling.”
4 Exception to the restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) The Housing Act 1996 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 16B (restriction on exercising the right to acquire), insert—
“16C Exception to restriction on exercising the right to acquire
(1) This section applies in respect of a dwelling (the “exempted dwelling”) if—
(a) after the relevant date, the court has ordered a person to give up possession of a dwelling,
(b) the order is made—
(i) on any of the grounds set out in Parts 2 or 3 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985 (discretionary grounds for possession of dwelling let under secure tenancy), or
(ii) on Ground 9 in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (possession of dwelling let under assured tenancy on grounds that there is suitable alternative accommodation),
(c) the person becomes the tenant of the exempted dwelling, and
(d) the exempted dwelling is suitable alternative accommodation for the purposes of the order.
(2) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, amend this section by making provision for further circumstances in which this section applies in respect of a dwelling.
(3) Regulations under subsection (2) may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of Senedd Cymru.”
Suspension of the right to buy and the right to acquire
5 Suspension of the right to buy and the right to acquire
(1) In this section—
(a) “suspension period” refers to the period of ten years beginning on the appointed day, and
(b) “appointed day” means a day that the Welsh Ministers may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint that is no sooner than the day six months after sections 1 through 4 of this Act come into force.
(2) During the suspension period, the following rights do not exist in relation to dwellings in Wales—
(a) the right to acquire the freehold of a dwelling-house, or to be granted a lease of a dwelling-house, pursuant to Part 5 of the Housing Act 1985 (the right to buy);
(b) the right to acquire a dwelling pursuant to section 16 of the Housing Act 1996 (the right to acquire).
(3) Accordingly—
(a) the following enactments are repealed on the appointed day—
(i) sections 1 and 2 of this Act (restriction on exercising the right to buy etc.), and sections 121ZA, 121ZB and 171B(7) of the Housing Act 1985 (inserted by sections 1 and 2 of this Act);
(ii) sections 3 and 4 of this Act (restriction on exercising the right to acquire etc.), and sections 16B, 16C and 21(2A) of the Housing Act 1996 (inserted by sections 3 and 4 of this Act),
(b) the enactments specified in Schedule 1 cease to have force during the suspension period, and
(c) Schedule 2 (which makes consequential amendments pertaining to the suspension period) has effect.
6 Power to make consequential amendments by regulations
(1) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations, make any supplemental, incidental, consequential, transitory, transitional or saving provision they consider necessary or expedient in consequence of, or for the purpose of giving full effect to, any provision of this Act or any provision made under this Act.
(2) Regulations under this section may amend, repeal, revoke or modify any enactment (including a provision of this Act).
(3) If this subsection applies, regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of Senedd Cymru.
(4) Subsection (3) applies where regulations under this section amend, modify or repeal any provision of an Act of Parliament or a Measure or Act of Senedd Cymru, whether or not the statutory instrument contains any other regulations.
(5) Where subsection (3) does not apply, regulations under this section are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of Senedd Cymru.
PART II. WELSH HOUSING AUTHORITY
Incorporation and membership
7 The Welsh Housing Authority
The Welsh Housing Authority, or Asiantaeth Tai Cymru, is established.
8 Membership of the Authority
(1) The membership of the Authority shall be—
(a) a Chair, appointed by the Welsh Ministers,
(b) one member appointed by each local housing authority in Wales (the “local authority members”), and
(c) additional members as the Welsh Ministers may appoint (the “additional members”).
(2) The Welsh Ministers may terminate the appointment of the Chair or any one of the additional members.
(3) A local housing authority may terminate the appointment of the local authority member that it appointed.
(4) If a member of the Authority is appointed Chair—
(a) that person ceases to be a local authority member or additional member (as the case may be), and
(b) if that person was a local authority member, the relevant local housing authority shall appoint a replacement member.
(5) Schedule 3 (which makes further provision regarding the Welsh Housing Authority) has effect.
Powers of the Authority
9 Exercise of powers by the Authority
Any power exercisable by a local housing authority in Wales under the Housing Act 1985 is exercisable by the Authority.
10 Exercise of powers by local housing authorities
(1) Any power exercisable by a local housing authority in Wales is subject to disallowance by the Authority, subject as follows.
(2) Within the period ending one month after the day on which a local housing authority exercises some power, the Authority may issue a notice of potential disallowance to the local housing authority.
(3) During the period ending six months after the day on which the authority issues the notice of potential disallowance—
(a) the exercise of powers by the local housing authority shall be treated as disallowed, and
(b) the local housing authority may not exercise a substantially similar power pertaining to the same issue as the power disallowed.
(4) During that period, the Authority may issue a notice of final disallowance.
(5) If the Authority issues a notice of final disallowance, then the exercise of power is disallowed.
(6) But if the Authority does not issue such a notice during the period, then the exercise of power may not then be disallowed.
11 Notice of final disallowance: appeal to the Welsh Ministers
(1) A local housing authority to which a notice of final disallowance has been issued may appeal to the Welsh Ministers.
(2) The Welsh Ministers may set aside a notice of final disallowance (whether or not on appeal).
(3) If the Welsh Ministers set aside a notice of final disallowance—
(a) the Authority may not make another substantially similar notice, and
(b) the power is exercisable immediately by the local housing authority, whether or not any period of time mentioned in section 10 has concluded.
12 Standards for social housing
(1) The Authority may from time to time issue standards of construction and maintenance for social housing.
(2) These standards shall apply to housing owned by the Authority and by local housing authorities in Wales.
(3) These standards may apply, with any variations as the standards shall prescribe, to the Social Rented Sector (within the meaning given by Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996).
(4) When making the standards, the Authority must consider representations from—
(a) the Welsh Ministers,
(b) the local housing authorities in Wales,
(c) social landlords, and
(d) social tenants.
Transfer of existing social housing stock
13 Transfer of social housing stock to the Authority
The Authority may, with the consent of the Welsh Ministers, take into its possession any housing owned by a local housing authority in Wales.
14 Transfer of newly built social housing stock to local housing authorities
The Authority may, with the consent of the relevant local housing authority, transfer any social housing stock it has built to a local housing authority in Wales.
Miscellaneous provisions concerning the Authority
15 Directions by the Welsh Ministers
(1) The Secretary of State may make such directions, determinations, or objectives as relates to the operation of the Authority that are necessary or expedient for its internal structure, operation, and provision of services.
(2) The Authority must have regard to such directions, determinations, or objectives.
16 Part II: Interpretation
In this Part—
“the Authority” means the Welsh Housing Authority;
“local housing authority” has the meaning given in section 1 of the Housing Act 1985;
“social landlord” means a registered social landlord with the meaning given in Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996;
“social tenant” means a person who lives in—
(a) a dwelling owned by the Authority or a local housing authority, or
(b) a rented dwelling owned by a social landlord.
PART III. FINAL PROVISIONS
17 Coming into force
(1) The following provisions come into force on the day which this Act is passed—
(a) In Part I, sections 5 and 6;
(b) In Part II, sections 7 and 8;
(c) Part III.
(2) Subject to subsection (1) above, this Act comes into force six months after the day on which it is passed.
18 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Housing (Wales) Act 2024.
S C H E D U L E S.
SCHEDULE 1.
ENACTMENTS CEASING TO HAVE FORCE DURING THE SUSPENSION PERIOD.
| Act. | Citation. | Provisions ceasing to have force. |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Act 1981. | 1981 c. 35. | Subsection 107(3C). |
| Housing Act 1988. | 1988 c. 50. | In subsection 81(8), paragraph (ab), the words from “or Part I” to the end of the paragraph. |
| Housing Act 1996. | 1996 c. 52. | Subsection 10(3); section 16; section 16A; section 17; section 20; in subsection 24(2)— (a) in paragraph (a)(i), the words “section 16 above or”; (b) paragraph (b); (c) in paragraph (c), the words “(b) or”. |
| Finance Act 2003. | 2003 c. 14. | In Schedule 9, sub-paragraph 1(5). |
| Housing and Regeneration Act 2008. | 2008 c. 17. | In section 62, in the table, in the first column, the reference to section 17(1), (2)(b), (5)(b) and (6), as well as the corresponding entry in the second column; in section 63, in the table, in the first column, the reference to section 17(7), as well as the corresponding entry in the second column; in subsection 149(8), paragraph (b) and the “or” preceding it; section 185. |
| Housing (Wales) Measure 2011. | 2011 nawm 5. | Part 1; in section 89, subsections (2) to (4). |
SCHEDULE 2.
ENACTMENTS AMENDED DURING THE SUSPENSION PERIOD.
1 Any amendment made by this Schedule has effect during the suspension period.
2 After the conclusion of the suspension period, the amendments made by this Schedule cease to have force, and the principal Act shall operate as though the amendments had never been made.
3— (1) The Housing Act 2004 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 192 (right to buy: suspension by court order), in subsection (3), for paragraph (b) substitute—
“(b) section 184 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17) (application of that Part in relation to the right to acquire a dwelling in England),”.
(3) In section 194 (disclosure of information as to orders etc. in respect of anti-social behaviour), in subsection (4), for paragraph (b) substitute—
“(b) section 184 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17) (application of that Part in relation to the right to acquire a dwelling in England),”.
4—
(1) The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 181 (interpretation of “publicly funded”), in subsection (6), in paragraph (b), for “under section 16(4) of that Act” substitute “by the Welsh Ministers”.
(3) In section 184 (right to acquire: supplemental), for subsections (1) and (2) substitute—
“(1) The Secretary of State may by order—
(a) specify the amount or rate of discount to be given on the exercise of the right conferred by section 180, and
(b) designate rural areas in relation to dwellings in which the right conferred by that section does not arise.
(2) The provisions of Part 5 of the Housing Act 1985 apply in relation to the right to acquire under section 180—
(a) subject to any order under subsection (1) above, and
(b) subject to such other exceptions, adaptations and other modifications as may be specified by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(3) The regulations may provide—
(a) that the powers of the Secretary of State under sections 164 to 170 of that Act (powers to intervene, give directions or assist) do not apply,
(b) that paragraphs 1 and 3 (exceptions for charities and certain housing associations), and paragraph 11 (right of appeal to Secretary of State), of Schedule 5 to that Act do not apply,
(c) that the provisions of Part 5 of that Act relating to the right to acquire on rent to mortgage terms do not apply,
(d) that the provisions of that Part relating to restrictions on disposals in National Parks etc. do not apply, and
(e) that the provisions of that Part relating to the preserved right to buy do not apply.
Nothing in this subsection affects the generality of the power conferred by subsection (2).
(4) The specified exceptions, adaptations and other modifications shall take the form of textual amendments of the provisions of Part 5 of that Act as they apply in relation to the right to buy under that Part; and any consolidating regulations shall set out the provisions of Part 5 as they so apply.
(5) Before making an order which would have the effect that an area ceased to be designated under subsection (1)(b), the Secretary of State shall consult—
(a) the local housing authority or authorities in whose district the area or any part of it is situated or, if the order is general in its effect, local housing authorities in general, and
(b) such bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to be representative of private registered providers as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(6) Regulations made under this section are consolidating regulations if they are made for the purposes of consolidating other regulations that are being revoked in the instrument containing the consolidating regulations.”
(2) In section 320 (orders and regulations), in subsection (7), after paragraph (a), insert—
“(aa) an order or regulations of the Secretary of State under section 184,”.
4—
(1) The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 7 (regulations about powers to require information), in subsection (7), in paragraph (e)(ii), after “under section 16 of the Housing Act 1996”, insert “before the suspension of that section by the Housing (Wales) Act 2024 came into force”.
5—
(1) The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is amended as follows.
(2) In Schedule 2, in paragraph 8 (meaning of “long tenancy”), in sub-paragraph (1)(c), for “as it has effect” substitute “as that Part had effect”.
SCHEDULE 3.
FURTHER PROVISION REGARDING THE WELSH HOUSING AUTHORITY.
1 Employees of the Welsh Housing Authority
(1) The employees of the Welsh Housing Authority who are not members shall be appointed to and hold their employments on such terms and conditions, including terms and conditions as to remuneration, as the Authority may determine.
(2) If the Authority so determines in the case of any of the employees of the Authority who are not executive members, the Authority shall—
(a) pay to or in respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or
(b) provide and maintain for them such pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Authority may determine.
2 Finances of the Welsh Housing Authority
(1) It is the duty of the Authority to keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts.
(2) The Welsh Ministers may make grants to the Authority, which shall be paid out of money provided by Senedd Cymru.
(3) Any excess of the Authority’s revenues for any financial year over the sums required by them for that year for meeting their obligations and carrying out their functions shall be payable into the Welsh Consolidated Fund.
This Bill was authored by the Rt Hon /u/lily-irl MS, First Minister, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Acts referenced:
- Housing Act 1985
- Housing Act 1996
- Finance Act 1981
- Housing Act 1988
- Finance Act 2003
- Housing Act 2004
- Housing and Regeneration Act 2008
- Housing (Wales) Measure 2011
- Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013
- Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
Part I of this Bill and schedules 1 and 2 are largely taken from the Abolition of the Right to Buy and Associated Rights Act 2018 (anaw 1).
Llywydd,
This Government was elected on a promise to massively invest in social housing. It is a promise to guarantee everyone who needs it a good, safe home. It is a promise to build housing to meet the demand that has grown. It is a promise to enable people to keep living in the communities they have grown up in, instead of being priced out. It is a promise to build and maintain homes to the highest standard that we can. It is a promise to end the decimation of our social housing stock that has been underway since the Thatcher administration. This Bill makes good on that promise.
Part 1 of this Bill suspends the right to buy and right to acquire for a period of ten years. For the six months after this Bill passes, the right to buy will be restricted–those who are in the process, or about to enter the process, of exercising the right to buy will still be allowed to do so. However, we put the right to buy on notice. And newbuild social housing will be restricted immediately. After this six month period, however, this Bill implements a ten year moratorium on the right to buy, allowing us vital time to replenish social housing stock and meet our target of eradicating homelessness in Wales.
Part 2 of this Bill creates Asiantaeth Tai Cymru—the Welsh Housing Authority. This Authority will commence a programme of building social housing unprecedented in modern times. This statutory corporation will also take over the operation of some social housing from some struggling public authorities. Additionally, the Authority will set standards of construction and maintenance for social housing—ensuring everyone who is given a socialised home is given a good, safe home.
This Bill is the sort of bold action that Wales needs to solve the housing crisis. This Government is taking action and delivering for the Welsh people on the important issues, and I am proud to commend this Bill to the Siambr.
Voting under this bill shall end at 10pm BST on April 14th.
18:00 UTC
WM123 | Motion on St. Patrick's Day | Motion Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Vote on WM123 in the name of /u/Lady_Aya. The question is whether this Parliament approves the Motion on St. Patrick's Day.
Motion on St. Patrick's Day
This Siambr recognises
17th of March is recognised as St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is widely seen as a holiday celebrating Irish identity and culture
The close ties and history between our two Celtic Nations
This Siambr therefore resolves to
Celebrate and Remember St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrate the ties with our Siambr and our Irish brethren, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Look to future opportunities of cooperation and unity between our legislatures and nations
This Motion was written by Her Grace Duchess of Enniskillen, Marchioness of Omagh, Lady Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dame Lady_Aya, LP LD GCVO DCT DCMG PC as a Private Member’s Motion
Llywydd,
I am someone who was both born in Wales but shares many ties and relationships with those in Ireland. And just as I celebrate Dydd Gŵyl Dewi, I also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
This motion is pretty straight forward. I believe that for many of us, we share more with our similarities than our differences and what better day to recognise that than St. Patrick’s Day. We have much in common between the two Celtic nations of Ireland and Wales, and I hope this Siambr joins me in celebrating that.
This vote will end on Sunday 24th March at 10pm GMT.
14:31 UTC
WB152 | Hydraulic Fracturing (Wales) Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 3 Vote on WB152 in the name of the Welsh Government. The question is whether this Parliament approves the Hydraulic Fracturing (Wales) Bill.
Hydraulic Fracturing (Wales) Bill
A
B I L L
T O
Prohibit hydraulic fracturing in Wales.
Having been passed by Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
1 Hydraulic fracturing consent ceases to have force
Any hydraulic fracturing consent given for a well in the Welsh onshore area shall cease and determine.
2 Amendment to conditions of licence to bore for and get petroleum
(1) This section applies in relation to a well in the Welsh onshore area.
(2) An onshore licence for England or Wales is amended to impose a condition that prohibits associated hydraulic fracturing from taking place at any depth.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be taken to prohibit any act done before this section came into force.
3 Amendment to conditions of well consent
(1) The Petroleum Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(2) A new section 4A is inserted—
“4A Onshore hydraulic fracturing
The Welsh Ministers must not issue a well consent for a well situated in the Welsh onshore area that is required by an onshore licence for England or Wales unless the well consent imposes a condition that prohibits associated hydraulic fracturing from taking place.”
(2) A new section 4B is inserted—
“4B Section 4A: supplementary provision
(1) “Associated hydraulic fracturing” means hydraulic fracturing of shale or strata encased in shale which is carried out in connection with the use of the relevant well to search or bore for or get petroleum.
(2) These expressions have the meanings given—
“onshore licence for England or Wales” means a licence granted under section 3 which authorises a person to search or bore for or get petroleum in those parts of the landward area (within the meaning of the Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 2014) that are in England or Wales or are beneath waters (other than waters adjacent to Scotland);
“well consent” means a consent in writing of the Welsh Ministers to the commencement of drilling of a well;
“Welsh onshore area” is the area of Wales that is within the baselines established by any Order in Council under section 1(1)(b) of the Territorial Sea Act 1987 (extension of territorial sea).”
4 Interpretation
In this Act, “onshore licence for England or Wales”, “well consent”, and “Welsh onshore area” have the meanings given by section 4B of the Petroleum Act 1998 (as inserted by this Act).
5 Coming into force
(1) Sections 1 and 2 come into force one year after the day on which this Act receives Royal Assent.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), this Act comes into force one year after the day on which it receives Royal Assent.
6 Short title
The short title of this Act is the Hydraulic Fracturing (Wales) Act 2024.
- The Petroleum Act 1998.
This Bill was written by /u/lily-irl, First Minister, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Llywydd,
This Bill fulfils a key pledge in this Government’s programme – to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’, in Wales.
There are significant harms to fracking. It has been observed that communities near fracking wells see an increase in shale gas pollutants found in groundwater, and there is an increase in air pollution as a result of fracking operations. Fracking causes methane to escape from wells into our air, increases the risk of damaging earthquakes, and produces high levels of wastewater which we are inadequately prepared to deal with.
As a part of our commitment to protecting the Welsh environment, both from the direct impacts of fracking and from the climate crisis that it contributes to, the Government is moving decisively to ban fracking. It provides that no new fracking wells shall be permitted from the day this Bill is passed, and orders a halt to all fracking operations a year later.
For the sake of the environment and human health, I commend this Bill to the Siambr.
Voting on this bill will end on Wednesday 6th of March at 10pm GMT
17:59 UTC
WB152 | Hydraulic Fracturing (Wales) Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 1 Vote on WB152 in the name of the Welsh Government.
Hydraulic Fracturing (Wales) Bill
A
B I L L
T O
Prohibit hydraulic fracturing in Wales.
Having been passed by Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
1 Hydraulic fracturing consent ceases to have force
Any hydraulic fracturing consent given for a well in the Welsh onshore area shall cease and determine.
2 Amendment to conditions of licence to bore for and get petroleum
(1) This section applies in relation to a well in the Welsh onshore area.
(2) An onshore licence for England or Wales is amended to impose a condition that prohibits associated hydraulic fracturing from taking place at any depth.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be taken to prohibit any act done before this section came into force.
3 Amendment to conditions of well consent
(1) The Petroleum Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(2) A new section 4A is inserted—
“4A Onshore hydraulic fracturing
The Welsh Ministers must not issue a well consent for a well situated in the Welsh onshore area that is required by an onshore licence for England or Wales unless the well consent imposes a condition that prohibits associated hydraulic fracturing from taking place.”
(2) A new section 4B is inserted—
“4B Section 4A: supplementary provision
(1) “Associated hydraulic fracturing” means hydraulic fracturing of shale or strata encased in shale which is carried out in connection with the use of the relevant well to search or bore for or get petroleum.
(2) These expressions have the meanings given—
“onshore licence for England or Wales” means a licence granted under section 3 which authorises a person to search or bore for or get petroleum in those parts of the landward area (within the meaning of the Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 2014) that are in England or Wales or are beneath waters (other than waters adjacent to Scotland);
“well consent” means a consent in writing of the Welsh Ministers to the commencement of drilling of a well;
“Welsh onshore area” is the area of Wales that is within the baselines established by any Order in Council under section 1(1)(b) of the Territorial Sea Act 1987 (extension of territorial sea).”
4 Interpretation
In this Act, “onshore licence for England or Wales”, “well consent”, and “Welsh onshore area” have the meanings given by section 4B of the Petroleum Act 1998 (as inserted by this Act).
5 Coming into force
(1) Sections 1 and 2 come into force one year after the day on which this Act receives Royal Assent.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), this Act comes into force one year after the day on which it receives Royal Assent.
6 Short title
The short title of this Act is the Hydraulic Fracturing (Wales) Act 2024.
- The Petroleum Act 1998.
This Bill was written by /u/lily-irl, First Minister, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Llywydd,
This Bill fulfils a key pledge in this Government’s programme – to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’, in Wales.
There are significant harms to fracking. It has been observed that communities near fracking wells see an increase in shale gas pollutants found in groundwater, and there is an increase in air pollution as a result of fracking operations. Fracking causes methane to escape from wells into our air, increases the risk of damaging earthquakes, and produces high levels of wastewater which we are inadequately prepared to deal with.
As a part of our commitment to protecting the Welsh environment, both from the direct impacts of fracking and from the climate crisis that it contributes to, the Government is moving decisively to ban fracking. It provides that no new fracking wells shall be permitted from the day this Bill is passed, and orders a halt to all fracking operations a year later.
For the sake of the environment and human health, I commend this Bill to the Siambr.
Voting on this bill will end on Monday 19th February at 10pm GMT.
17:55 UTC
WM122 | Motion on Capital Spending Borrowing Powers | Motion Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Vote on WM122 in the name of the 20th Welsh Government. The question is whether this Parliament approves the Motion on Capital Spending Borrowing Powers.
##Motion on Capital Spending Borrowing Powers
The Senedd notes that:
(1) The Senedd can currently borrow up to a total of £1 billion for capital spending,
(2) The limit is currently set at £150 million a year that the Welsh Government may borrow for this purpose up to a total of £1 billion,
(3) The Senedd has yet to use any of this power.
The Senedd further notes that:
(1) Investing in infrastructure to tackle climate change is an important method both to safeguard our future and increase growth across all parts of Wales.
(2) Using the powers we have for targeted capital investment will ensure day to day spending remains balanced.
(3) Any borrowing in the next few financial years will involve repaying that money over time which will need to come out of future day to day spending.
(4) £150 million a year may not be enough to meet the needs of Wales in the next few years.
(5) The use of new powers would need to be approved during the usual budget process, and the Welsh Government has noted it would seek legislative approval for its long term infrastructure strategy.
Recognising all of the above, the Senedd resolves to
(1) Put together a multi year Infrastructure Strategy to meet the needs of the people of Wales in tackling climate change and ensuring people have appropriate local infrastructure, and
(2) Asks the Welsh Government to negotiate a rise in the £150 million a year cap to £500 million a year, and seek further clarifications from the UK Government and Bank of England in how repayments will be made should the increase come into effect.
This motion was proposed by Sir /u/T2Boys, Duke of Aberdeen and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, on behalf of the 20th Welsh Government
Opening Speech — /u/T2Boys
Llywydd,
This motion is a straight forward one dealing with a complicated topic. The motion I believe does go into sufficient detail on the background of the policy but I will briefly go over it again here. As it stands, the Welsh Government can borrow £150 million a year up to a maximum of £1 billion for capital spending. This is a small amount of money given this £150 million could be eaten up by one infrastructure project alone.
We want to see an increase to our borrowing powers to allow us to borrow up to £500 million in one year, with the cap at £1 billion remaining. The overall cap is a sensible one and will ensure the Welsh Government cannot get into mountains of debt, but the yearly limit we want to see lifted.
This would allow us to invest more in a shorter time period into our infrastructure strategy. This strategy will be budged for in the upcoming budget although given the tight timeframe it is unlikely the full details would be released before that point. By giving us extra borrowing powers, we are ensuring both quicker investments, but also given we intend to use these powers sensible it may mean we can borrow more if costs begin to overrun which we will work hard to ensure does not happen.
There has been concerns raised in the past about the responsibility of this plan, acknowledging that I will not always be Finance Secretary and future governments may choose to use these powers recklessly. I do not believe that is possible. The overall cap remains in place, the limit is only being lifted, and ultimately this money will need to be paid back if used which is something we will discuss with relevant stakeholders if we get to the point of using these powers.
This motion will allow us to go to Westminster with a clear mandate from this place, and by inference the people of Wales, and for that reason I urge this place to pass the motion.
Vote on this motion will end on Sunday 11th February at 10pm GMT.
21:39 UTC
WM121 | Motion of legislative Consent to the Land Reform Act | Motion Vote
Order!
We turn now to a Motion Vote on WM121 in the name of Maroiogog. The question is whether this Parliament approves the Motion of legislative Consent to the Land Reform Act.
##Motion of legislative Consent to the Land Reform Act
This House resolves that
(1) The Provisions of the Land Reform Act 2022 as set out in Sections 80 of the act itself shall apply to Wales.
This House urges
(2) The Government to make orders as per Section 81(3) to set a date for the commencement of sections 44 through 78 of the act with haste.
This Motion was submitted by Sir u/Maroiogog KP KD OM KCT CMG CVO CBE PC MSP MS FRS as a Private Member’s Motion
Llywydd,
This landmark piece of legislation has hugely improved land management and registration in England, it is time we adopted it here too
Voting on this motion will end on Sunday 4th February at 10pm GMT.
Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain.
18:38 UTC
WB151 | Education (Maps) Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 1 Vote on WB151 in the name of the SPUP. The question is whether this Parliament approves the general principle of the Education (Maps) Bill
##Education (Maps) Bill
An Act of the Senedd Cymru to make provision for the use of accurate maps in classrooms in Wales, and for connected purposes;
Having being passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
Section 1: Duties of the Minister for Education and Cymraeg
(1) The Minister shall have the responsibility to ensure that all Maps within classrooms are accurate, as defined within this Act.
(2) The Minister shall have the ability to make such regulations with respect to the duties of educational and local authority staff as they see reasonable and prudent to carry out their duties under Subsection (1).
(3) The power to make regulations under this act is exercisable by statutory instrument.
Section 2: Accuracy of Maps
(1) A map is inaccurate if it presents any of the following to be true:
(a) the Earth being flat, or hollow,
(b) the existence of a Mythological Landmass or Location defined in Schedule 1,
(c) the existence of territory held by a Disputed Entity defined in Schedule 2,
(d) the existence of borders contrary to those defined in Schedule 3,
(2) The Minister may make regulations under this section to amend Schedules to this act so as to add further Mythological Landmasses or Locations, Disputed Entities or Borders where those regulations concern a territory or landmass not currently covered by those Schedules.
Section 3: Coming into Force and Short Title
(1) This act comes into force on the day after which this Act receives Royal Assent.
(2) The short title of this Act is the Education (Maps) Act.
Schedule 1: Mythological Landmasses and Locations
Atlantis
Lemuria
El Dorado
Schedule 2: Disputed Entities
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The Republic of Kosovo
The Donetsk People’s Republic
The Luhansk People’s Republic
The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic
Schedule 3: Disputed Borders
The border between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine shall be that set out by the demarcation line set out in the 1949 Armistice Agreements between the nations of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Israel known as the Green Line.
The border between Russia and Ukraine must include the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea as part of Ukraine.
The territory of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is the territory of East Timor as defined in the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste at the time of the entry into force of this act.
Where not otherwise specified in this act, the proper borders of a given state are those recognised by the Government of the United Kingdom.
This bill was written by /u/SpectacularSalad on behalf of the Serbian People’s Union of Pontyprydd, with reference to the Protected Sovereign States and Territories Bill written by the Right Honourable Dame Youma, The Baroness of Motherwell, LT MBE PC MP.
Opening Speech,
Llywydd,
Recently in this chamber, one of our wisest Parliamentarians said that maps in classrooms should be accurate “for the simple fact if we feed out children lies then they’ll believe them to be truths”. Llywydd, the earth is not flat, Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea belong to Ukraine, both Israel and Palestine have a right to exist in peace, and Kosovo is a part of Serbia. These are immutable facts, and we must ensure that our children are not tricked into believing otherwise.
This bill will establish a new duty for the Minister for Education and Cymraeg to ensure that maps in classrooms are accurate, and give them the power to ensure this is achieved. I am sure this is well within their capabilities, as an individual with a brain so large that minor planets are drawn into it’s orbit.
And to those who may fear this strays into a reserved area, I ask them to relax. This is not a matter of foreign policy, but education policy, a clearly devolved matter. Let us not be afraid in this place of legislating with ambition and clarity, we are the legitimate body for the voice of the Welsh people, let us not be afraid to speak out loud and clear.
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 4th February at 10pm GMT.
Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain.
18:38 UTC
WB149 | Sports Broadcasting (Funding) Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 3 Vote on WB149 in the name of the previous Welsh Government.
##Sports Broadcasting (Funding) Bill
A
BILL
TO
Expand spending towards sports broadcasting in Wales
be enacted by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows
Section 1 - Definitions
(1) A broadcaster shall refer to any public broadcaster that operates within Wales. This includes groups like ITV, Channel 4, and the BBC.
(2) A sports venue refers to any stadium or public playing field where members of the public attend to watch sporting matches.
Section 2 - Government Funding & Usage of Funds
(1) The Welsh Government must allocate £12 million pounds per annum towards public sport broadcasting. I. This number shall be at the discretion of the relevant Minister, and may be changed via statement to the Senedd or amendment in the Budget.
(2) The Welsh Government must allocate a further £20 million pounds towards public sporting venues in Wales. I. Funding shall be allocated based on the size, location and seating capacity of an individual venue. II. This number shall be at the discretion of the relevant minister, and may be changed via statement to the Senedd or amendment in the Budget.
(3) This funding shall be directed through Sports Wales, which will be responsible for handing out funds. I. Sports Wales must take into account viewing numbers and amount of games broadcast or held per year when determining the amount to give each broadcaster or venue.
(4) The Welsh Government will be responsible for ensuring that this funding is allocated in a fair and timely manner.
(5) Funds for independent venues must be used for: I. renovation of the venue if necessary II. Promotion of the local team III. Promotion of the venue
(6) Funds for public broadcasters must be used for: Promoting Welsh sporting events Advertising local games within Wales To bid on broadcasting rights for games Advertising local Welsh sports teams
(7) Funds must be used for the purposes listed in sections (5) and (6), otherwise they will be considered a misuse of funds under Section 3 of this bill.
Section 3 - Oversight
The Ministry of Culture will be responsible for overseeing the use of funds allocated per year.
Recipients of funds will be required to submit reports one every financial year to Sports Wales and the Ministry outlining the use of funds within that year.
Misuse of funds, or a failure to report their usage will result in funding being withdrawn for a period defined by the Minister of Culture. I. This period must not exceed one financial year on the first offence or three on the second offence. II. Funding may be withdrawn indefinitely if the Minister of Culture and Minister of Finance believe the relevant recipient shall continue to misuse funds after the second offence. If the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Finance are the same person, the First Minister must also give explicit consent for funding to be withdrawn.
If necessary, reports may be sent to the Ministry of Finance, which will act in this capacity if the relevant minister is in absentia for reasons of resignation or illness. I. Should this happen, reports must be given to the Minister of Culture when the period of absence ends.
Section 4 - Commencement & Short Title
(1) This bill shall come into force on the 1st January 2025.
(2) This bill may be cited as the Sports Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2023.
This Bill has been submitted by u/realbassist on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Opening speech.
Llywydd,
Sports in Wales is an important cultural activity. Across the celtic nations, sport has been a unifying force. As a government, we are dedicated to making sure the positive impact of sports is felt across this country, from Swansea to Anglesey. Our rugby team is second to none, and our legacy in football is feared in every coach’s office from here to Buenos Aires, and further!
It is for this reason that this government is determined to keep our legacy alive. We believe that a boost in funding towards both Welsh broadcasters and public venues will make sure our teams have the best practice space, the best coverage, and continue to be the best players in the world. I am proud to reinforce this proud tradition of ours, and I hope the House can back us in this endeavour as well!
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 4th February at 10pm GMT.
Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain.
18:37 UTC
WB148 | Elections Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 3 Vote on WB148 in the name of Maroiogog.
A
Bill
To
Make provisions for the use of IRV in the elections of various local government offices.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Section 1: Definition
(1) “IRV system of voting” means a poll returning one candidate in which each person entitled to vote may—
(a) Indicate their preferred candidate
(b) In case of the presence of 3 or more candidates, express a second and subsequent preference amongst candidates.
(c) Votes shall be counted in accordance with the guidance given by the electoral commission as a result of the STV Elections Act 2021.
Section 2: Elections for elected mayor of local authorities in England
(1) The Local Government Act 2000 is amended as follows:
(2) Substitute section 9HC (1) with “Each person entitled to vote as an elector at an election for the return of an elected mayor is to vote in accordance to the IRV system of voting if there are three or more candidates”
(3) omit Section 9HC (3)
(4) At the end of Schedule 2 (1) add “In Wales”
(5) In section 9HD (2), for “first preference vote, or more than one second preference vote,” substitute “vote”.
(6) In section 9R (1), omit the definitions of “first preference vote” and “second preference vote”.
Section 3: Elections for police and crime commissioners
(1) The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 is amended as follows:
(2) Substitute Section 57 (3) with “If there are three or more candidates the commissioner is to be returned under an IRV system of voting”
(3) Omit Sections 57 (4) and 57 (5).
(4) Omit Schedule 9.
Section 4: Extent, Commencement and Short Title
(1) This act shall come into force immediately upon royal assent
(2) This act may be cited as the Elections Act 2023.
This bill was submitted by the Rt. Hon. Earl of Kearton (Sir u/Maroiogog) KP KD OM CT CMG CBE LVO PC FRS as a Private Member’s Bill, and takes inspiration from the Elections Act 2022
LLywydd,
This bill is quite simple in nature and one which I have already submitted in London. It changes the voting system for local authority mayors and for police and crime commissioners from a system in which one can only indicate a first and second preference into one where one can indicate as many preferences as they please.
As we can see from these results of past police and crime commissioner elections many of the votes don’t actually redistribute and thus the desired effect of having voter’s full preference ranking influence the result of the poll is not achieved. Removing the limit of how many candidates can be ranked solves the issue.
Also, these changes bring these offices in line with the system used for most other elections in the country (everything aside from general elections), reducing confusions and making voting a more straightforward affair.
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 4th February at 10pm GMT.
Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain.
18:37 UTC
First Minister Election XII.I | Vote | 14th January 2024
Good afternoon.
We will now proceed to the vote on the election of a First Minister. The candidates, as listed in the debate, are as follows:
- u/lily-irl - Llafur Cymru
- u/ironass3 - Plaid Cymru
- RON (Reopen Nominations)
These candidates may be ranked in whatever order you wish, and you do not need to rank any candidate bar RON, unless you only rank one candidate. A clear expression of preference will be taken as a vote for that candidate. An example is provided below.
- lily-irl
- ironass3
- RON
The candidate who receives a majority of votes in the Senedd shall duly be elected First Minister, and the process for forming a government shall continue. Should nobody receive a majority in this round, the process for re-electing a First Minister shall begin again for a second round.
You may find the First Minister debate here. The vote shall close at 10pm BST on Wednesday 17th January, with results announced shortly after.
Good luck to the candidates.
15:34 UTC
WB150 | Finance Bill No 1 2024-2025 | Budget Vote
Order, Order
We turn now to a Stage 1 Vote on WB150 in the name of the Welsh Government. The question is whether this Parliament approves the Finance Bill No 1 2024-2025.
#Finance Bill No 1 2024-2025
An Act of the Senedd Cymru to set out the government’s taxation and related spending commitments.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Part 1 – Details (1) That the November 2023 budget be utilised for expenditure of the Welsh Government for the 2024-25 financial year.
Part 2 – Commencement, Extent and Short Title
(1) This Act commences immediately after Royal Assent.
(2) This Act extends to Wales.
(3) This Act may be referred to as the Finance Act (No 2) 2023
This budget was written by The Right Honourable Sir u/t2boys, Duke of Aberdeen, Minister for Finance and Leader of the Welsh Conservatives on behalf of the Llafur Cymru–Welsh Conservative Government.
Llywydd,
I rise today to present the Llafur – Welsh Conservative budget to the Senedd today. When we joined the government, the Welsh Conservatives pledged to support out friends in Llafur in implementing the Programme for Government. This budget has, naturally, been put together over a quick timeframe since we joined the government, and as such there has been no full spending review and some policies which require a more detailed examination, or the passing of new legislation have not been included. There are also some policies which have been included which will need further legislation or guidance to flesh out the policy and, no doubt over time, the funding for these policies may change.
I will start by looking at our spending policies. Tackling climate change is one of the most important jobs that any government should tackle, and it is why we are putting £100 million over two years for loans for wind farm creation. Wales should become a centre of energy creation for both us and the rest of UK, if not Europe. We are backing Wales with the funding it needs to do just that with the creation of good paying jobs right across Wales. Somewhere that needs more targeted focus, however, is north Wales and the creation of an employment office in Caernarfon. We know that employment in north Wales has lagged behind that of the south, and we are determined to change that with an office created to act as a connection between government, local authorities, businesses and other stakeholders to attract businesses to the area. With an initial £5 million seed funding, should the programme be successful I have no doubt future governments will expand the programme.
We have also funded new legislation that has been passed this term including £10 million to protect cultural assets, £10 million for the new parole requirements and £30 million per annum for the sports broadcasting bill currently going through the Senedd.
Whilst we have increased spending in lots of areas, we have also made some choices on where to cut back on. The Rewilding Fund was set at £750 million a year for a net spending of over £2 billion. This is a huge amount of money to spend on one project, and it is an amount of money that is simply not required in such a short space of time. For context, £750 million a year is more than we spent on social justice and education infrastructure combined, as well as more than we spend in total on Post-16 educational provisions. It is just not practicable, and it needs to end. With £750 million spent in this year, we have already invested huge sums of money and we will now be reducing this to £250 million a year from 24-25. This programme of spending will then end in 26-27. That would be still over £1 billion spent on this programme, a huge amount of money on rewilding. The budget bill does amend relevant legislation in a targeted way to confirm this is the case, and the full legislation will be reviewed in due course after the next election.
All in all, forecast spending in 24-25 has gone from £28.03 billion to £27.58 billion. Almost all of this has come from the end of the Rewilding Fund and then removal of the double spend of rural agriculture streams which was an inadvertent error in the last budget.
Now, turning to taxation. With responsible decisions made on spending, we have fiscal headroom to cut taxes and return money directly to the people who elected us here in the first place to do exactly that. When looking at tax cuts my first priority will always be to reduce the tax burden for the lowest paid in society. That is why we are raising the personal allowance from £14000 to £15000. Next is the inherent unfairness of Land Value Tax. The truth is that this raises a lot of money, and it is simply not possible to make significant cuts to it without a complete re-organisation of our budget and tax system. We are however cutting it by half a percentage point to 6.5%, and should this configuration of government continue after the next election we will look at how we can make further changes to ease the costs of housing in Wales. Finally, making income tax changes is a great way to give money back. People should keep more of the money they work hard for, and it is why I wanted to ensure we had the fiscal headroom to cut them. The medium rate of income tax is going to fall from 23% to 22%. The headroom we have created from this budget does mean we will not proceed by the planned cut the basic rate of income tax by 2 pence, instead we will be cutting the rate by 3 pence, from 18% to 15%. Money straight back into the pockets of the hard working people that need it most.
This is a government that put together a budget with three principals in mind. Implement what we can from the Programme for Government, review spending to ensure we are getting the best value for taxpayers and return money directly to voters who want and deserve to see a bump in their paycheque. That is what this government has delivered on, it is what is presented in this budget, and for that reason I am proud to commend this budget to the Senedd.
Voting on this bill will end at the close of business on Friday 1st of December at 10pm BST
22:01 UTC
WB149 | Sports Broadcasting (Funding) Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Order, Order
We turn now to a Stage 1 Vote on WB149, the Sports Broadcasting (Funding) Bill, in the name of the Welsh Government.
##Sports Broadcasting (Funding) Bill
A
BILL
TO
Expand spending towards sports broadcasting in Wales
be enacted by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows
Section 1 - Definitions
(1) A broadcaster shall refer to any public broadcaster that operates within Wales. This includes groups like ITV, Channel 4, and the BBC.
(2) A sports venue refers to any stadium or public playing field where members of the public attend to watch sporting matches.
Section 2 - Government Funding & Usage of Funds
(1) The Welsh Government must allocate £12 million pounds per annum towards public sport broadcasting. I. This number shall be at the discretion of the relevant Minister, and may be changed via statement to the Senedd or amendment in the Budget.
(2) The Welsh Government must allocate a further £20 million pounds towards public sporting venues in Wales. I. Funding shall be allocated based on the size, location and seating capacity of an individual venue. II. This number shall be at the discretion of the relevant minister, and may be changed via statement to the Senedd or amendment in the Budget.
(3) This funding shall be directed through Sports Wales, which will be responsible for handing out funds. I. Sports Wales must take into account viewing numbers and amount of games broadcast or held per year when determining the amount to give each broadcaster or venue.
(4) The Welsh Government will be responsible for ensuring that this funding is allocated in a fair and timely manner.
(5) Funds for independent venues must be used for: I. renovation of the venue if necessary II. Promotion of the local team III. Promotion of the venue
(6) Funds for public broadcasters must be used for: Promoting Welsh sporting events Advertising local games within Wales To bid on broadcasting rights for games Advertising local Welsh sports teams
(7) Funds must be used for the purposes listed in sections (5) and (6), otherwise they will be considered a misuse of funds under Section 3 of this bill.
Section 3 - Oversight
The Ministry of Culture will be responsible for overseeing the use of funds allocated per year.
Recipients of funds will be required to submit reports one every financial year to Sports Wales and the Ministry outlining the use of funds within that year.
Misuse of funds, or a failure to report their usage will result in funding being withdrawn for a period defined by the Minister of Culture. I. This period must not exceed one financial year on the first offence or three on the second offence. II. Funding may be withdrawn indefinitely if the Minister of Culture and Minister of Finance believe the relevant recipient shall continue to misuse funds after the second offence. If the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Finance are the same person, the First Minister must also give explicit consent for funding to be withdrawn.
If necessary, reports may be sent to the Ministry of Finance, which will act in this capacity if the relevant minister is in absentia for reasons of resignation or illness. I. Should this happen, reports must be given to the Minister of Culture when the period of absence ends.
Section 4 - Commencement & Short Title
(1) This bill shall come into force on the 1st January 2025.
(2) This bill may be cited as the Sports Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2023.
This Bill has been submitted by u/realbassist on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Opening speech.
Llywydd,
Sports in Wales is an important cultural activity. Across the celtic nations, sport has been a unifying force. As a government, we are dedicated to making sure the positive impact of sports is felt across this country, from Swansea to Anglesey. Our rugby team is second to none, and our legacy in football is feared in every coach’s office from here to Buenos Aires, and further!
It is for this reason that this government is determined to keep our legacy alive. We believe that a boost in funding towards both Welsh broadcasters and public venues will make sure our teams have the best practice space, the best coverage, and continue to be the best players in the world. I am proud to reinforce this proud tradition of ours, and I hope the House can back us in this endeavour as well!
Voting on this bill will end at the close of business on Tuesday 26th of November at 10pm BST
17:58 UTC
WM120 | Colours of the Union Motion | Motion Vote
Order, Order
We turn now to a Motion Vote on WM120, the Colours of the Union Motion, in the name of Inadorable.
##Colours of the Union Motion
The Senedd Cymru notes that–
(1) The previous UK government introduced a bill to celebrate the Colours of the Union festival, a unionist holiday celebrating the ‘importance of the Union’;
(2) The government in Westminster has repeatedly committed cruelties upon the people of Wales, that they could not stop due to the lack of Senedd Cymru before 1999;
(3) That many in Wales do not want to celebrate this holiday, but that it is being enforced upon them by Westminster.
The Senedd Cymru declares–
(1) Its disappointment in the process leading to the introduction in the bill, with the Senedd Cymru not being given a chance to debate the issue before Westminster attempted to implement the legislation.
(2) That it is up to the people of Wales, rather than Parliament in Westminster, whether the union is something to be celebrated.
The Senedd Cymru asks the Welsh government to declare the Colours of the Union festival null and void within Wales, and that public sector workers shall be asked to continue their work during the bank holiday.
This motion was written by the Lady Llanelli as a Private Member’s Motion.
Llywydd,
Like many people in Wales, I find the celebration of a holiday that fundamentally depends on the exclusion of the large minority of Welsh people who do not support the Union as it stands today an insulting move that is below the standards that one might expect from a public holiday. And whilst Scotland is being given a chance to reject the holiday, the Welsh people are declined that opportunity, as if our opinions on the matter are irrelevant. If the members of the House of Commons do not wish our voice to be heard, we must make it heard more loudly than ever before, Llywydd! We must fight for the autonomy of our nation within the union when we are no longer considered, when our history and our people are so insulted as they have been due to the festival. This is a chance for the Senedd to put its foot down and tell Westminster that Wales is an autonomous, proud country and the celebration of holidays is a Welsh affair rather than a Whitehall affair. The bill must be thrown out, or it must be resisted. This Senedd must be prepared to do the latter.
Voting on this bill will end at the close of business on Tuesday 21st of November at 10pm BST
21:28 UTC
WB148 | Elections Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Order, Order
We turn now to a Stage 1 Vote on WB148, the Elections Bill, in the name of Maroiogog.
##Elections Bill.
A
Bill
To
Make provisions for the use of IRV in the elections of various local government offices.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Section 1: Definition
(1) “IRV system of voting” means a poll returning one candidate in which each person entitled to vote may—
(a) Indicate their preferred candidate
(b) In case of the presence of 3 or more candidates, express a second and subsequent preference amongst candidates.
(c) Votes shall be counted in accordance with the guidance given by the electoral commission as a result of the STV Elections Act 2021.
Section 2: Elections for elected mayor of local authorities in England
(1) The Local Government Act 2000 is amended as follows:
(2) Substitute section 9HC (1) with “Each person entitled to vote as an elector at an election for the return of an elected mayor is to vote in accordance to the IRV system of voting if there are three or more candidates”
(3) omit Section 9HC (3)
(4) At the end of Schedule 2 (1) add “In Wales”
(5) In section 9HD (2), for “first preference vote, or more than one second preference vote,” substitute “vote”.
(6) In section 9R (1), omit the definitions of “first preference vote” and “second preference vote”.
Section 3: Elections for police and crime commissioners
(1) The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 is amended as follows:
(2) Substitute Section 57 (3) with “If there are three or more candidates the commissioner is to be returned under an IRV system of voting”
(3) Omit Sections 57 (4) and 57 (5).
(4) Omit Schedule 9.
Section 4: Extent, Commencement and Short Title
(1) This act shall come into force immediately upon royal assent
(2) This act may be cited as the Elections Act 2023.
This bill was submitted by the Rt. Hon. Earl of Kearton (Sir u/Maroiogog) KP KD OM CT CMG CBE LVO PC FRS as a Private Member’s Bill, and takes inspiration from the Elections Act 2022
LLywydd,
This bill is quite simple in nature and one which I have already submitted in London. It changes the voting system for local authority mayors and for police and crime commissioners from a system in which one can only indicate a first and second preference into one where one can indicate as many preferences as they please.
As we can see from these results of past police and crime commissioner elections many of the votes don’t actually redistribute and thus the desired effect of having voter’s full preference ranking influence the result of the poll is not achieved. Removing the limit of how many candidates can be ranked solves the issue.
Also, these changes bring these offices in line with the system used for most other elections in the country (everything aside from general elections), reducing confusions and making voting a more straightforward affair.
Voting on this bill will end at the close of business on Tuesday 21st of November at 10pm BST
21:27 UTC
Vote of Confidence in theverywetbanana as First Minister
Order, Order.
The First Minister, /u/Dyn-Cymru has indicated that he wishes to resign and as such has nominated /u/theverywetbanana to succeed him as First Minister.
The question is whether this Parliament has confidence in /u/theverywetbanana to serve as First Minister. Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain, though where there is a mix-up with an alternative voting style this shall also be accepted. The prospective nominee shall require a majority of the Senedd Cymru to vote in favour.
This vote shall be open until the close of Business on November 9th, at 10pm GMT.
08:01 UTC
WB147 | Private Culture Protection Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order
We turn now to a vote on WB147, in the name of Llafur Cymru.
Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain. Attempts to stylise a vote may result in it not being counted. Where there is mix-up with an alternative voting style, this shall also be accepted.
A
BILL
TO
Regulate and protect privately owned cultural and historical sites of Welsh and British history.
*be enacted by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows*
Section 1 - Places affected by this act
(1) Local authorities will be authorised to designate parts of privately owned land/property as one of the following:
> (A) A culturally significant site which is a location and or building that is considered to be important to either British or Welsh culture.
> (B) A historically significant site which is a location or building that is considered to be important to either British or Welsh history.
(2) Sites owned by Cadw shall also be affected by this act.
Section 2 - Mandated Security Services of sites.
(1) Each site must be covered by 24 Hour CCTV service with recordings being kept for no less than 1 week before being destroyed.
(2) Owners of a site must alert local authorities of any damage to a site within 48 hours of its discovery, unless it is:
> I The result of wear and tear;
> II The result of maintenance conducted by the owners of the site.
> III Authorised by the local authorities.
> IV Damage is not worth of note and does not affect the overall value of the sites.
(3) If the site is on public land the owners must ensure that the public can observe the site.
(4) The owners of each site must send a quality report to the local authorities of each of their sites of a period no more than 5 years apart.
(5) The owners of a site cannot move, intentionally damage or deface a site without approval from the local authority.
Section 3 - Government Funding & Usage of Funds
(1) The Welsh Government will be responsible for the initial establishment of new security features around sites. .
(2) Owners may apply for permanent funding so long as they do not make any revenue from the site itself or the use of the site in a promotion of a business.
(4) If the local authorities take away the status from a site then the Welsh Government will no longer be responsible for funding of security.
Section 4 - Commencement & Short Title
(1) This bill shall come into force on the 1st August 2023.
(2) This bill may be cited as the Private Culture Protection Bill 2023.
***
This Bill has been submitted by u/Dyn-Cymru on behalf of Llafur Cymru and the Welsh Government.
***
---
https://www.reddit.com/r/MHOCSenedd/comments/171j1lq/wb147_private_culture_protection_bill_stage_1/
Voting on this bill will end at the close of business on 25th October at 10pm BST
18:51 UTC
WB146 | Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 3 Vote on WB146, the Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill, in the name of Llafur Cymru.
##Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill
A
BILL
TO
Repeal the Local Government (Community Councils) Act 2023.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Section 1 - Repealing the Act
(1) The Local Government (Community Councils) Bill 2023 is repealed.
(3) Sections 27A, 27C, 27D and 30 of the Local Government Act 1972 are revived.
Section 2 - Commencement and Extent
(1) This Act shall come into force immediately after receiving Royal Assent.
(2) This Act may be cited as the Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill 2023.
Proposed by Dyn-Cymru on behalf of Llafur Cymru, and the Welsh Government, this bill is also sponsored by the Welsh Libertarians and PoliticoBailey.
Opening Speech:
Llywydd,
This is something that a lot of the parties in Wales were elected upon, to abolish a system that is ineffective and can only incur greater costs when the local authorities are stretching thiner and thinner.
This government was elected to get rid of yet another layer of bureaucracy and confusion for local governments. Llafur Cymru supports local representation however if it comes at the cost of making the entire system broken then it isn't worth it.
We have seen the inefficiencies of similar councils in England and we should take on these lessons instead of sitting through them again. Wales should lead in example, not follow in failure.
If this bill passes it will be a victory for Wales, ensuring that every one of its representatives, whether it be a Councillor on Cardiff Council or myself as First Minister, works more effectively than before.
Therefore Llywydd, if the Senedd supports an effective governance system and one that works for the people of Wales, they should support this bill.
Diolch.
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 15th of October 10pm GMT
14:08 UTC
WB147 | Private Culture Protection Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 1 Vote on WB146, the Private Culture Protection Bill, in the name of Llafur Cymru.
##Private Culture Protection Bill
A
BILL
TO
Regulate and protect privately owned cultural and historical sites of Welsh and British history.
be enacted by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows
Section 1 - Places affected by this act
(1) Local authorities will be authorised to designate parts of privately owned land/property as one of the following:
(A) A culturally significant site which is a location and or building that is considered to be important to either British or Welsh culture.
(B) A historically significant site which is a location or building that is considered to be important to either British or Welsh history.
(2) Sites owned by Cadw shall also be affected by this act.
Section 2 - Mandated Security Services of sites.
(1) Each site must be covered by 24 Hour CCTV service with recordings being kept for no less than 1 week before being destroyed.
(2) Owners of a site must alert local authorities of any damage to a site within 48 hours of its discovery, unless it is:
I The result of wear and tear; II The result of maintenance conducted by the owners of the site. III Authorised by the local authorities. IV Damage is not worth of note and does not affect the overall value of the sites.
(3) If the site is on public land the owners must ensure that the public can observe the site.
(4) The owners of each site must send a quality report to the local authorities of each of their sites of a period no more than 5 years apart.
(5) The owners of a site cannot move, intentionally damage or deface a site without approval from the local authority.
Section 3 - Government Funding & Usage of Funds
(1) The Welsh Government will be responsible for the initial establishment of new security features around sites. .
(2) Owners may apply for permanent funding so long as they do not make any revenue from the site itself or the use of the site in a promotion of a business.
(4) If the local authorities take away the status from a site then the Welsh Government will no longer be responsible for funding of security.
Section 4 - Commencement & Short Title
(1) This bill shall come into force on the 1st August 2023.
(2) This bill may be cited as the Private Culture Protection Bill 2023.
This Bill has been submitted by u/Dyn-Cymru on behalf of Llafur Cymru and the Welsh Government.
Opening speech.
Llywydd,
There are several cultural sites across this land owned by private estates and private individuals. For example Owein Glyndŵr's House is owned by the Llangedwyn Estate, but such a historic site should not be left behind in security or have damage in the dark.
That is why this government committed itself letting the local authorities claim sites as culturally significant while also ensuring that they're kept in the hands of their owner. The local authorities by doing this will dictate where funding will go by claiming areas as significant to Welsh history. The cost of this per site would be around £5000 per site, depending on size and existing security.
The reports to the local authorities will then tell us how these places are being upheld in the private sector. It will also let us react if there is an increase or decrease. With places like the Cofiwch Dryweryn wall being vandalised regularly it is important we understand the extent of which the damage is made.
The reason we aren't straight up giving these places to organisations such as Cadw is because these sites are normally within the centre of private property and it would be impractical for both cadw and the private owner to come to an agreement of public land surrounded by private land.
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 15th of October 10pm GMT
14:06 UTC
WB145 | Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Act 2023 | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 3 Vote on WB145, the Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Bill, in the name of Volt Cymru.
#The Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Act 2023
A
BILL
TO
Amend the Government of Wales Act 2006 to increase the size of the Senedd Cymru and for related purposes.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of Her Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Section 1 – Amendments
Replace Part 2 Section 2(4) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 with the following–
(a) There are eight seats for each Senedd electoral region
Section 3 – Short Title, Extent, and Commencement
This Act may be referred to by its Short Title the Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Act 2023
This Act extends to Wales only.
This Act commences immediately after Royal Assent.
This Bill was authored by Sir /u/model-kyosanto KD OM CT MS on behalf of Volt Cymru
- This Bill amends the (Government of Wales Act 2006)[https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/32/section/2)
Llywydd,
This is a simple Bill that seeks to expand the size of the Senedd to 96 members, this is following a strong community campaign to do so. We are the smallest of the devolved parliaments, and there are councils with more seats than us.
This is an overall drain on talent available to us, we are unable to adequately gain enough from such a small pool of people, and it is unfair with all the new devolved competencies we have since gained through merit a full-time representative body, not a glorified council. Time and time again, we have seen reports stating very clearly that we cannot adequately do the job we are expected to do by the Welsh people with just 60 Members of the Senedd.
Initially when Labour was in Government in the 1990s, they envisioned a Welsh Assembly with over 80 Members, this was only reduced to 60 as an effort to win the devolution referendum as asserted by James Griffiths et. al. (2023). This however goes onto the point that a 60 member assembly is simply unable to adequately hold a Government to account, nor does it allow for the proper accumulation of minor parties which better reflect the views of the people of Wales. The Richard Commission in 2004, and the Silk Commission in 2014 all came to similar conclusions that simply maintaining 60 members is inadequate for proper operation of a fully accountable Senedd Cymru. In the Richard Commission it was stated that “were the Assembly to gain the legislative powers it recommended, 80 members were essential if it was to discharge its roles of holding the Government to account, making laws for Wales effectively, and representing the people of Wales.” We are now beyond what has been devolved in the interim period of 2004 to the present day, we have more control over more areas of Government, and it is beyond time that we saw expansion in the face of it.
Professor of Welsh Governance Richard Wyn Jones in his report for the Electoral Reform Society ‘Size Matters: Making the National Assembly More Effective’ (2014) offers perhaps a counterpoint to what may come up as an argument against this reform by stating plainly “that more scrutiny and better accountability can potentially save taxpayers’ money” as well as the simple fact that it really will not cost a whole deal, while improving democratic representation beyond that of a mere council.
60 representatives for 3,136,000 people while Northern Ireland has 90 for 1,880,000 is inherently unfair. Which is why with this legislation, we would see the Senedd have 8 seats for each electoral region, and maintain the same number of constituency seats, which would increase proportionality while ensuring continuation of local members. All this would occur in time for the next election to be held under this system, and deliver better outcomes for Wales, Welsh democracy, and the people who we serve.
I hope that the Siambr may read these arguments and see that there is in fact benefit to be had in expansion, and I look forward to the support of others in favour of this common sense measure.
Diolch yn fawr.
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 8th of October 10pm GMT
14:50 UTC
WB146 | Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 1 vote on WB146, the Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill, in the name of Llafur Cymru.
##Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill
A
BILL
TO
Repeal the Local Government (Community Councils) Act 2023.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Section 1 - Repealing the Act
(1) The Local Government (Community Councils) Bill 2023 is repealed.
Section 2 - Commencement and Extent
(1) This Act shall come into force immediately after receiving Royal Assent.
(2) This Act may be cited as the Local Government (Community Councils) (Repeal) (Wales) Bill 2023.
Proposed by Dyn-Cymru on behalf of Llafur Cymru, and the Welsh Government, this bill is also sponsored by the Welsh Libertarians and PoliticoBailey.
Opening Speech:
Llywydd,
This is something that a lot of the parties in Wales were elected upon, to abolish a system that is ineffective and can only incur greater costs when the local authorities are stretching thiner and thinner.
This government was elected to get rid of yet another layer of bureaucracy and confusion for local governments. Llafur Cymru supports local representation however if it comes at the cost of making the entire system broken then it isn't worth it.
We have seen the inefficiencies of similar councils in England and we should take on these lessons instead of sitting through them again. Wales should lead in example, not follow in failure.
If this bill passes it will be a victory for Wales, ensuring that every one of its representatives, whether it be a Councillor on Cardiff Council or myself as First Minister, works more effectively than before.
Therefore Llywydd, if the Senedd supports an effective governance system and one that works for the people of Wales, they should support this bill.
Diolch.
Voting on this bill will end on Monday 2nd October at 10pm BST.
15:00 UTC
WB144 | Rewilding Cymru Future Fund Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 3 Vote on WB144,the Rewilding Cymru Future Fund Bill, in the name of Volt Cymru.
#Rewilding Cymru Future Fund Bill
An Act of the Senedd Cymru to establish a Future Fund to guarantee continual funding for the establishment of rewilding projects in Cymru.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Part 1 – Preliminary
(1) The objectives of this act are as follows–
(a) to fund the ecological regeneration of endangered landscapes;
(b) to provide new habitats for endemic species of Wales;
(c) to support the transition from carbon intensive agricultural uses.
(2) Definitions of terms within this Act are to be evaluated by the Rewilding Cymru Board, and shared within an annual report.
Part 2 – Establishment of Rewilding Cymru Board
(1) There shall be a commission known as the Rewilding Cymru Board For Public Policy (2) There shall be a Governing Board of which members shall comprise of–
(a) A chief commissioner appointed by the Minister responsible;
(b) Four members appointed by the Minister responsible.
(3) An appointment made by the Minister under subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b) may be terminated by the Minister.
(4) The Governing Board is to present to the Minister an annual report outlining–
(a) the use of finances provided to the Board, including returns on investment;
(b) recommendations on the implementation of the objectives of the Board;
(c) progress made on meeting goals if set by the Minister under Part 2, Section 6(a);
(d) the investment portfolio of assets, cash, and shares held by the Board within the Future Fund.
(e) any other information the Governing Board sees fit to include.
(5) The objectives of the Rewilding Cymru Board are–
(a) to responsibly invest £2,500,000;
(b) to deliver minimum returns of £150,000,000 annually;
(c) to contribute to the ecological redevelopment of Wales.
(6) The Minister may by order–
(a) change the objectives of the Rewilding Cymru Board;
(b) implement tangible goals to be achieved by the Rewilding Cymru Future Fund.
(7) The Minister will in their proposal add the draft order and the views expressed, or a summary, accompanied by their position on those views.
Part 3 – Establishment of Fund
(1) There is to be a fund known as the Rewilding Cymru Future Fund, overseen by the Rewilding Cymru Board.
(2) There is to be £2,500,000,000 credited as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Act.
(3) The main purposes of the Fund are as follows–
>(a) To deliver returns on investments up to but not exceeding £150,000,000, with the remainder reinvested within the fund.
>(b) To spend those returns on projects, groups, and other related institutions or activities that seek to promote the redevelopment and regeneration of ecological sites.
>(c) To fund the operations of the Governing Board.Part 4 – Grants from the Fund
(1) A designated Minister on behalf of the Welsh Government may make a grant to a person or body in relation to ecological regeneration.
(2) Grants made under Section (1) may be made by way of reimbursement, or partial reimbursement, of costs and expenses.
(3) A grant may not be made to a person or body unless an application for such has been made to the Governing Board.
(4) The terms and conditions of the grant shall be decided by the Governing Board, in writing, with conditions for the repayment of grants due to misuse or other related matters.
Part 5 – Short Title, Commencement, and Extent
(1) This Act may be cited as the Rewilding Cymru Future Fund Act 2023.
(2) This Act comes into force immediately after it receives Royal Assent.
(3) This Act extends to Wales.
This Bill was authored by the Marquess of Melbourne, Sir /u/model-kyosanto KD OM CT PC MS, Acting First Minister of Wales, on behalf of Volt Cymru and the Welsh Government, with sponsorship from the Welsh Conservative and Unionist Party – Ceidwadwyr Cymreig.
Llywydd,
This Bill seeks to act upon a Motion from the Ceidwadwyr Cymreig, in setting up an investment fund that shall be able to practically fund future rewilding projects, while remaining a singular cost to the Government of £2.5b, with no ongoing funding required, and able to deliver investments through grants to organisations, individuals and bodies up to £150m each financial year, if the return on investments allows such to occur.
Allowing for future investment in ecological restoration is paramount to our goals as a Government and is a personal objective of mine, the peat lands for example are a vital carbon sink that maintain many different forms of endemic species of plant, animal and insect. This shall also see necessary investment into our waterways, allowing for more sustainable fishing operations, with higher fish counts, cleaner waters, and better outcomes for our fishermen and women.
Therefore, it is clear that with rising carbon emissions it has become extremely necessary for there to be further moves away from farming, considering the move away from primary industries like agriculture which has occurred without private intervention. This land is necessary for the ecological regeneration of Wales, and while it would be best to begin such work in national parks and the like, we must look further into the future for opportunities to deliver rewilding of landscapes, and in turn reintroduction of native wildlife.
I am hopeful that the Siambr will join with me in supporting this measure, the creation of a sovereign wealth fund with a specific policy purpose that will allow for self contained funding of important ecological projects, while not putting a strain on the ongoing budget. With an initial cost of only £2.5b, one which will continue to deliver ongoing funding for decades, we can be sure that it will be a long term costing saving measure.
Diolch yn fawr.
Voting on this bill will end on Monday 2nd October at 10pm BST.
14:54 UTC
WM119 | Motion on a Queen Elizabeth II Statue | Motion Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Motion Vote on WM119 in the name of the Welsh Libertarians. The question is that this Parliament approves the Motion on a Queen Elizabeth II Statue.
##Motion on a Queen Elizabeth II Statue
This Senedd Cymru notes that
(1) Queen Elizabeth II was the monarch of the United Kingdom for over 70 years.
(2) Queen Elizabeth II had a special bond with Wales, especially with the town of Aberfan.
(3) The U.K. Government issued a statement on the commissioning of a statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London.
This Senedd Cymru calls on the Welsh Government to
(1) Commission a similar statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Cardiff.
This motion was written by The Right Honourable u/model-willem KD KP OM GBE KCT CB CMG PC MS MSP MLA, MS for Cardiff Central, on behalf of the Welsh Libertarians. Co-sponsored by Independent /uPoliticoBailey MS and Llafur Cymru.
Opening Speech
Llywydd,
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II last year shook us all in the United Kingdom and it showed how much of a unifier the late Queen was. Her legacy will be felt across our islands and in the work that she did. For Wales she had an important role in the aftermath of the disaster in Aberfan in which she did a lot for the people in the city as she came to the site where it all happened to give her condolences and grieve with the people who lost someone during the event.
Queen Elizabeth II was a role model and someone that many people looked up to throughout her reign. A lot of people in the United Kingdom have never lived under another monarch before King Charles became our new King last september. Because of this all we must remember her for what she did and what she stood for and therefore I believe that it is only right for us to commemorate her by putting up a statue of her in Cardiff, in front of the Senedd.
Voting on this motion will end on Sunday 24th September at 10pm BST.
16:40 UTC
WB145 | Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Bill | Stage 1 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 1 Vote on WB145, the Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Bill, in the name of the Volt Cymru.
#The Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Act 2023
A
BILL
TO
Amend the Government of Wales Act 2006 to increase the size of the Senedd Cymru and for related purposes.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of Her Majesty, it is enacted as follows–
Section 1 – Amendments
Replace Part 2 Section 2(4) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 with the following–
(a) There are eight seats for each Senedd electoral region
Section 2 – Short Title, Extent, and Commencement
This Act may be referred to by its Short Title the Government of Wales Amendment (Expanding the Senedd) Act 2023
This Act extends to Wales only.
This Act commences immediately after Royal Assent.
This Bill was authored by Sir /u/model-kyosanto KD OM CT MS on behalf of Volt Cymru
- This Bill amends the (Government of Wales Act 2006)[https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/32/section/2)
Llywydd,
This is a simple Bill that seeks to expand the size of the Senedd to 96 members, this is following a strong community campaign to do so. We are the smallest of the devolved parliaments, and there are councils with more seats than us.
This is an overall drain on talent available to us, we are unable to adequately gain enough from such a small pool of people, and it is unfair with all the new devolved competencies we have since gained through merit a full-time representative body, not a glorified council. Time and time again, we have seen reports stating very clearly that we cannot adequately do the job we are expected to do by the Welsh people with just 60 Members of the Senedd.
Initially when Labour was in Government in the 1990s, they envisioned a Welsh Assembly with over 80 Members, this was only reduced to 60 as an effort to win the devolution referendum as asserted by James Griffiths et. al. (2023). This however goes onto the point that a 60 member assembly is simply unable to adequately hold a Government to account, nor does it allow for the proper accumulation of minor parties which better reflect the views of the people of Wales. The Richard Commission in 2004, and the Silk Commission in 2014 all came to similar conclusions that simply maintaining 60 members is inadequate for proper operation of a fully accountable Senedd Cymru. In the Richard Commission it was stated that “were the Assembly to gain the legislative powers it recommended, 80 members were essential if it was to discharge its roles of holding the Government to account, making laws for Wales effectively, and representing the people of Wales.” We are now beyond what has been devolved in the interim period of 2004 to the present day, we have more control over more areas of Government, and it is beyond time that we saw expansion in the face of it.
Professor of Welsh Governance Richard Wyn Jones in his report for the Electoral Reform Society ‘Size Matters: Making the National Assembly More Effective’ (2014) offers perhaps a counterpoint to what may come up as an argument against this reform by stating plainly “that more scrutiny and better accountability can potentially save taxpayers’ money” as well as the simple fact that it really will not cost a whole deal, while improving democratic representation beyond that of a mere council.
60 representatives for 3,136,000 people while Northern Ireland has 90 for 1,880,000 is inherently unfair. Which is why with this legislation, we would see the Senedd have 8 seats for each electoral region, and maintain the same number of constituency seats, which would increase proportionality while ensuring continuation of local members. All this would occur in time for the next election to be held under this system, and deliver better outcomes for Wales, Welsh democracy, and the people who we serve.
I hope that the Siambr may read these arguments and see that there is in fact benefit to be had in expansion, and I look forward to the support of others in favour of this common sense measure.
Diolch yn fawr.
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 24th September at 10pm BST.
16:39 UTC
WB143 | Parole Requirements (Serious Offences) (Wales) Bill | Stage 3 Vote
Order, Order.
We turn now to a Stage 3 Vote on WB143, the Protection of Parole Requirements (Serious Offences) (Wales) Bill, in the name of the Welsh Libertarians.
##Parole Requirements (Serious Offences) (Wales) Bill
An Act of the Senedd Cymru to provide for stricter parole requirements for individuals convicted of grievous bodily harm (GBH) offences and above, with a focus on rehabilitative activities, to enhance public safety and promote successful reintegration into society.
Having been passed by the Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows:
Section 1: Amendment to Parole Process
(1) The parole process shall include an evaluation of the offender’s risk to public safety, potential for rehabilitation, and willingness to actively participate in rehabilitative activities.
(2) In cases involving indictable offences punishable by a statutory penalty of or statutory maximum of imprisonment for life, not including common law offences with a theoretical maximum penalty of imprisonment for life without a maximum penalty specified in statute, the Parole Board shall impose stricter conditions for parole release, including but not limited to:
(a) Mandatory completion of rehabilitative activities, such as counselling, vocational training, or educational programs, designed to address the causes of the offence and reduce the risk of reoffending.
(b) Close monitoring and supervision during the parole period, including regular reporting to parole officers, adherence to curfews, and restrictions on contact with certain individuals or locations.
(c) Implementation of a structured post-release plan, including suitable accommodation, employment or educational opportunities, and ongoing support services.
(3) Where the Parole Board feels that the risk to the public is too great and has acted within any set guidances according to paragraph 8, they shall be empowered to reject parole for the entirety of the offender’s conviction, in which —
(a) the Parole Board shall notify the official liaison on behalf of the offender of such decision.
(4) According to paragraph 3, the status of the decision shall be subject to annual reviews by the Parole Board.
(5) According to paragraph 3, the official liaison on behalf of the offender shall be eligible to submit an appeal against the decision.
(6) According to paragraph 3, decisions by the Parole Board may be appealed within 21 days from the date the decision is issued.
(7) According to paragraph 5, all requested appeals must be submitted to the Reconsideration Team and logged.
(8) The Welsh Ministers shall have the power to set regulations by secondary legislation regarding guidance for the terms of parole rejection.
(9) Regulations under paragraph 8 shall be subject to negative procedure.
Section 2: Offender Rehabilitation Programs
(1) The Welsh Ministers shall allocate, at their discretion, the necessary resources to the provision of offender rehabilitation programmes, with a specific focus on the offence cited in Section 1(2).
(2) Rehabilitation programs shall be evidence-based and tailored to the individual needs of the offender, addressing factors such as violence prevention, anger management, substance abuse, and pro-social skills development.
(3) The Welsh Ministers shall collaborate with relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations, and experts to ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of rehabilitative activities.
Section 3: Commencement
(1) This act shall come into force six months after Royal Assent.
Section 4: Short Title
(1) This act may be cited as the Parole Requirements (Serious Offences) (Wales) Act.
**This bill was written by The Most Honourable u/model-willem KD KP OM KCT KCB CMG CBE PC MS MSP MLA, MS for Swansea East, on behalf of the Welsh Libertarians. Co-sponsored by Independent /uPoliticoBailey MS and Llafur Cymru. Based on the Parole Requirements (Serious Offences) Bill by u/Sephronar.
Opening Speech
Llywydd, I am happy to put forward this bill today, as I believe that it will make Wales safer and also better for the people who are in the prison system right now. Wales has had its own judicial and prison system for a while now, after the devolution of these powers happened, but we have done too little to improve the system. This bill will do that, as it will put a better focus on rehabilitation than we have done in the past, and by doing this in extent make Wales safer than it is right now.
The goal of this bill is very clear, it tries to impose stricter rules for parole releases. This might sound like a way to attack prisoners, but it actually makes sure that we take care of them better. This bill ensures that the people in the prison system that have committed serious offences complete their rehabilitation process, get mandatory monitoring, and most importantly a structured post-release plan. The last part is the most important in my opinion, this plan ensures that the people who are getting out of prison have a plan ready to go, to go back into society. We want these people to have a job, have accommodation to sleep in, and a support system that will ensure that they don’t fall back into their previous habits.
Voting on this bill will end on Sunday 24th September at 10pm BST.
16:39 UTC