Senedd

Senedd. The Senedd, officially known as the Welsh Parliament in English and Senedd Cymru in Welsh, is the devolved, unicameral legislature of Wales. It holds the power to make legislation, approve Welsh Government budgets, and scrutinise the actions of ministers, operating within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom. The institution, located in its iconic building on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay, represents the principal democratic body for the nation, evolving significantly since its establishment following the 1997 Welsh devolution referendum.

History

The modern institution traces its origins to the Government of Wales Act 1998, which created the National Assembly for Wales following a narrow victory in the 1997 Welsh devolution referendum. Initially an executive body with limited secondary legislative powers, its authority was expanded by the Government of Wales Act 2006, which formally separated it from the Welsh Government. A major constitutional shift occurred after the 2011 Welsh devolution referendum, which granted it primary law-making powers across devolved areas. The Wales Act 2017 further cemented its status, and it was renamed Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament by the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020, with members becoming known as Members of the Senedd.

Powers and functions

It can enact laws, known as Acts of Senedd Cymru, in twenty devolved areas including health, education, local government, agriculture, and the Welsh language. Its competence is defined by the reserved powers model established in the Wales Act 2017, meaning it can legislate on any matter not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Westminster. Key functions include scrutinising the Welsh Government, approving the annual Welsh budget, and conducting inquiries through committees like the Public Accounts Committee. It cannot legislate on reserved matters such as defence, foreign affairs, or most fiscal policy.

Composition and elections

It is composed of 60 members, elected for five-year terms using the additional member system. Forty Members of the Senedd are elected from constituencies by first-past-the-post voting, with the remaining twenty elected from five electoral regions using a form of proportional representation based on the D'Hondt method. The 2021 Senedd election saw Welsh Labour, led by First Minister Mark Drakeford, win 30 seats, followed by the Welsh Conservatives under Andrew R.T. Davies and Plaid Cymru led by Adam Price. The presiding officer, known as the Llywydd of the Senedd, is Elin Jones of Plaid Cymru.

Building

Its permanent home is the Senedd building, a landmark structure in Cardiff Bay designed by the Richard Rogers architectural practice and opened by Queen Elizabeth II on St David's Day, 1 March 2006. The building is notable for its sustainable design, featuring a distinctive undulating roof, a funnel that draws in air from the bay, and extensive use of Welsh slate and Welsh oak. It houses the debating chamber, committee rooms, and members' offices, and is open to the public, symbolising the transparency and accessibility of the legislature. The building stands near other key institutions like Wales Millennium Centre and the former Welsh Office headquarters, Cathays Park.

Relationship with the Welsh Government

While both institutions are core parts of Welsh devolution, they are separate entities. The Welsh Government is the devolved executive, headed by the First Minister of Wales and comprising ministers like the Minister for Health. It is accountable to, and drawn from, the membership of the legislature, similar to the relationship between HM Government and the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The government proposes most legislation and the budget, which must be approved by a majority in the chamber. Scrutiny is conducted through First Minister's Questions, ministerial questions, and committees such as the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, ensuring executive accountability.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Wales Category:Devolution in the United Kingdom