Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
The UK Government has today published a draft Wales Bill. A large part of the Bill addresses the financial reforms outlined in the UK Government's recent response to the Silk Commission's first report, including the devolution to Wales of certain tax and borrowing powers. Other issues covered by the Bill include the timing of Assembly elections, qualification for membership of the Assembly and borrowing limits for local housing authorities.
The Welsh Government will be studying the content of the draft Bill over the coming weeks and will be providing evidence during the Pre Legislative Scrutiny stage.
I will ensure that Assembly Members are kept informed as the Bill progresses through Parliament.
The Bill is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-wales-bill
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.