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Wales Bill EXPLANATORY NOTES. Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Wales Office, are published separately as Bill 5 EN. - PDF
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1 EXPLANATORY NOTES Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Wales Office, are published separately as Bill EN. EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Secretary Alun Cairns has made the following statement under section 19(1)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1998: In my view the provisions of the Wales Bill are compatible with the Convention rights. Bill 6/2
2 CONTENTS PART 1 CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS Permanence of the National Assembly for Wales and Welsh Government 1 Permanence of the National Assembly for Wales and Welsh Government Convention about Parliament legislating on devolved matters 2 Convention about Parliament legislating on devolved matters Legislative competence 3 Legislative competence 4 Wales public authorities Elections Power to make provision about elections 6 Timing of elections 7 Electoral registration: the digital service Other provision about legislation by the Assembly 8 Super-majority requirement for certain legislation 9 Super-majority requirement: amendments relating to procedure etc Introduction of Bills: justice impact assessment 11 Submission of Bills for Royal Assent: role of Presiding Officer Other provision about the Assembly 12 Financial control, accounts and audit 13 Composition of Assembly committees 14 Assembly proceedings: participation by UK Ministers etc 1 Change of name of the Assembly etc: translation of references Bill 6/2
3 ii Wales Bill Welsh rates of income tax: removal of referendum requirement 16 Welsh rates of income tax: removal of referendum requirement Executive competence etc 17 Functions of Welsh Ministers 18 Implementation of EU law 19 Transfer of Ministerial functions Transferred Ministerial functions 21 Consultation about cross-border bodies PART 2 LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COMPETENCE: FURTHER PROVISION Onshore petroleum 22 Onshore petroleum licensing 23 Onshore petroleum: existing licences 24 Onshore petroleum: right to use deep-level land in Wales Road transport 2 Roads: speed limits, pedestrian crossings and traffic signs 26 Bus service registration and traffic commissioners 27 Taxis: transfer of functions to Welsh Ministers Harbours 28 Transfer of executive functions in relation to Welsh harbours 29 Transfer of executive functions: amendments of the Harbours Act 1964 Transfer of harbour functions: application of general provisions 31 Reserved trust ports 32 Development consent 33 Cross-border harbours 34 Cross-border exercise of pilotage functions 3 Sections 33 and 34: supplementary Planning for electricity generating stations 36 Development consent for generating stations with MW capacity or less 37 Generating stations and public rights of navigation 38 Associated development of overhead lines 39 Alignment of associated development consent Equal opportunities Equal opportunities: public sector equality duty 41 Public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities Marine licensing and conservation 42 Marine licensing in the Welsh offshore region 43 Marine conservation zones
4 iii Miscellaneous 44 Intervention in case of serious adverse impact on sewerage services etc 4 Transfer of functions in relation to excepted energy buildings 46 Renewable energy incentive schemes PART 3 MISCELLANEOUS 47 Provision of information to the Office for Budget Responsibility 48 Gas and Electricity Markets Authority 49 Licensing of coal-mining operations: approval by Welsh Ministers 0 Office of Communications PART 4 GENERAL 1 Consequential provision 2 Transitional provision and savings 3 Commencement 4 Short title Schedule 1 New Schedule 7A to the Government of Wales Act 06 Schedule 2 New Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 06 Schedule 3 New Schedule 3A to the Government of Wales Act 06 Schedule 4 New Schedule 9A to the Government of Wales Act 06 Schedule Minor and consequential amendments Part 1 Amendments of the Government of Wales Act 06 Part 2 Amendments relating to onshore petroleum Part 3 Other amendments Schedule 6 Transitional provisions
5 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 1 A BILL TO Amend the Government of Wales Act 06 and make provision about the functions of the Welsh Ministers; and for connected purposes. B E IT ENACTED by the Queen s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: PART 1 CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS Permanence of the National Assembly for Wales and Welsh Government 1 Permanence of the National Assembly for Wales and Welsh Government In the Government of Wales Act 06, after Part 2 (the Welsh Government) insert PART 2A PERMANENCE OF THE ASSEMBLY AND WELSH GOVERNMENT 92A Permanence of the Assembly and Welsh Government (1) The Assembly and the Welsh Government are a permanent part of the United Kingdom s constitutional arrangements. (2) The purpose of this section is, with due regard to the other provisions of this Act, to signify the commitment of the Parliament and Government of the United Kingdom to the Assembly and the Welsh Government. (3) In view of that commitment it is declared that the Assembly and the Welsh Government are not to be abolished except on the basis of a decision of the people of Wales voting in a referendum. 1 Bill 6/2
6 2 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 92B Recognition of Welsh law (1) There is a body of Welsh law made by the Assembly and the Welsh Ministers. (2) The purpose of this section is, with due regard to the other provisions of this Act, to recognise the ability of the Assembly and the Welsh Ministers to make law forming part of the law of England and Wales. Convention about Parliament legislating on devolved matters 2 Convention about Parliament legislating on devolved matters In section 7 of the Government of Wales Act 06 (Acts of the National Assembly for Wales), after subsection () insert (6) But it is recognised that the Parliament of the United Kingdom will not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters without the consent of the Assembly. Legislative competence 3 Legislative competence (1) For section 8 of the Government of Wales Act 06 (legislative competence) substitute 8A Legislative competence (1) An Act of the Assembly is not law so far as any provision of the Act is outside the Assembly s legislative competence. (2) A provision is outside that competence so far as any of the following paragraphs apply (a) it extends otherwise than only to England and Wales; (b) it applies otherwise than in relation to Wales or confers, imposes, modifies or removes (or gives power to confer, impose, modify or remove) functions exercisable otherwise than in relation to Wales; (c) it relates to reserved matters (see Schedule 7A); (d) it breaches any of the restrictions in Part 1 of Schedule 7B, having regard to any exception in Part 2 of that Schedule from those restrictions; (e) it is incompatible with the Convention rights or with EU law. (3) But subsection (2)(b) does not apply to a provision that (a) is ancillary to a provision of any Act of the Assembly or Assembly Measure or to a devolved provision of an Act of Parliament, and (b) has no greater effect otherwise than in relation to Wales, or in relation to functions exercisable otherwise than in relation to Wales, than is necessary to give effect to the purpose of that provision
7 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 3 (4) For this purpose, a provision of an Act of Parliament is devolved if it would be within the Assembly s legislative competence if it were contained in an Act of the Assembly (ignoring paragraphs 8 to 11 of Schedule 7B). () In determining what is necessary for the purposes of subsection (3), any power to make laws other than that of the Assembly is disregarded. (6) The question whether a provision of an Act of the Assembly relates to a reserved matter is determined by reference to the purpose of the provision, having regard (among other things) to its effect in all the circumstances. (7) For the purposes of this Act a provision is ancillary to another provision if it (a) provides for the enforcement of the other provision or is otherwise appropriate for making that provision effective, or (b) is otherwise incidental to, or consequential on, that provision. (2) For Schedule 7 to that Act (Acts of the Assembly) substitute (a) the Schedule 7A set out in Schedule 1 to this Act, and (b) the Schedule 7B set out in Schedule 2 to this Act. 4 Wales public authorities (1) After section 17 of the Government of Wales Act 06 insert 17A Wales public authority (1) In this Act Wales public authority means a public authority that (a) meets the conditions in subsection (2), or (b) is specified, or is of a description specified, in Schedule 9A (whether or not it meets those conditions). (2) A public authority meets the conditions in this section if its functions (a) are exercisable only in relation to Wales, and (b) are wholly or mainly functions that do not relate to reserved matters. (3) In determining for the purposes of this section whether functions of a public authority are exercisable only in relation to Wales, no account is taken of any function that (a) is exercisable otherwise than in relation to Wales, and (b) could (apart from this paragraph) be conferred or imposed by provision falling within the Assembly s legislative competence (by virtue of section 8A(3)). (4) Where the conditions in subsection (2) are relevant to determining whether a provision of an Act of the Assembly is within the Assembly s legislative competence, the time for assessing whether those conditions are met is the time when the Act is passed. () Her Majesty may by Order in Council amend Schedule 9A (a) so as to remove or revise an entry, or (b) so as to add or substitute a public authority whose functions 1 2 3
8 4 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements (i) (ii) are exercisable wholly or mainly in relation to Wales, and are wholly or mainly functions that do not relate to reserved matters. (6) No recommendation is to be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order in Council under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the Order in Council has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament and the Assembly. (7) Subsection (6) does not apply to a statutory instrument containing an Order in Council that only makes provision for (a) the omission of an entry where the authority concerned has ceased to exist, or (b) the variation of an entry in consequence of a change of name or transfer of functions. Such an Order in Council is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. (8) In this section public authority means a body, office or holder of an office that has functions of a public nature. (2) After Schedule 9 to that Act insert the Schedule 9A set out in Schedule 4 to this Act. 1 Elections Power to make provision about elections (1) For section 13 of the Government of Wales Act 06 (power to make provision about elections etc) substitute 13 Power of the Welsh Ministers to make provision about elections etc (1) The Welsh Ministers may by order make provision that would be within the legislative competence of the Assembly, if included in an Act of the Assembly, as to (a) the conduct of elections of Assembly members, (b) the questioning of an election of Assembly members and the consequences of irregularities, and (c) the return of an Assembly member otherwise than at an election. (2) The provision that may be made under subsection (1)(a) includes, in particular, provision (a) about the registration of electors, (b) for disregarding alterations in a register of electors, (c) about the limitation of the election expenses of candidates (and the creation of criminal offences in connection with the limitation of such expenses), (d) for the combination of polls, (e) for modifying the application of sections 6 and 8(2) where the poll at an election for the return of an Assembly constituency member is abandoned (or notice of it is countermanded), and 2 3 4
9 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements (f) for modifying section 9(7) to ensure the allocation of the correct number of seats for the region. (3) The provision that may be made under subsection (1)(c) includes, in particular, provision modifying section 11(3) to (). (4) An order under subsection (1) may (a) apply or incorporate, with or without modifications or exceptions, any provision of or made under the election enactments, and (b) so far as may be necessary in consequence of any provision made by an order under this section, make modifications of any provision made by or under any enactment relating to the registration of parliamentary electors or local government electors. () In subsection (4)(a) the election enactments means (a) the Representation of the People Acts, (b) the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 00, (c) the European Parliamentary Elections Act 02, and (d) any other enactments relating to parliamentary elections, European Parliamentary elections or local government elections. 13A (6) No return of an Assembly member at an election may be questioned except by an election petition under the provisions of Part 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 as applied or incorporated in an order under this section. (7) No order is to be made under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly. Power of the Secretary of State to make provision about the combination of polls (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for (a) the combination of polls at ordinary general elections of Assembly members with polls at the elections listed in subsection (2), and (b) the combination of polls at extraordinary general elections of Assembly members, and by-elections for the return of Assembly members, with polls at the elections listed in subsections (2) and (3). (2) The elections are (a) early parliamentary general elections, (b) parliamentary by-elections, and (c) European Parliamentary by-elections. (3) The elections are (a) parliamentary general elections, and (b) European Parliamentary general elections. (4) The Secretary of State may not make regulations under this section without the agreement of the Welsh Ministers
10 6 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements () Regulations under subsection (1) may (a) apply or incorporate, with or without modifications or exceptions, any provision made by or under the election enactments, and (b) modify any form contained in, or in regulations or rules made under, the Representation of the People Acts so far as may be necessary to enable it to be used both for the original purpose and in relation to elections of Assembly members. (6) In subsection ()(a) the election enactments has the meaning given by section 13(). (7) No regulations are to be made under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing them has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. (2) In section 1 of the Representation of the People Act 198 (combination of polls), after subsection (C) insert (D) 6 Timing of elections Before making provision under subsection () in connection with the combination of polls where one of the elections is a local government election in Wales, the Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers. (1) Section 3 of the Government of Wales Act 06 (ordinary general elections) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (). (2) In subsection (1), for the words after was held, substitute unless (a) subsection (1A) prevents the poll being held on that day, or (b) provision is made for the day of the poll by an order under section 4. (3) After subsection (1) insert (1A) (1B) The poll is not to be held on the same date as the date of the poll at (a) a parliamentary general election (other than an early parliamentary general election), or (b) a European Parliamentary general election. Where subsection (1A) prevents the poll being held on the day specified in subsection (1), the poll is to be held on such day, subject to subsection (1A), as the Welsh Ministers may by order specify. (4) In subsection (2), after May insert or on the day specified by an order under subsection (1B). () After subsection (4) insert () No order is to be made under subsection (1B) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly. (6) Section 4 of that Act (power to vary date of ordinary general election) is amended in as set out in subsections (7) to (). (7) In subsection (1) 1 2 3
11 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 7 (a) (b) at the beginning insert Subject to section 3(1A), ; for The Secretary of State substitute Welsh Ministers. (8) In subsection (4) for Secretary of State considers substitute Welsh Ministers consider. (9) Omit subsection (). () In subsection (6), for either House of Parliament substitute the Assembly. (11) The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as set out in subsections (12) to (16). (12) In section 37 (ordinary day of local elections in England and Wales) (a) in subsection (1), and in the heading, omit and Wales ; (b) in subsection (2A) for the words after under substitute section 37A. (13) After that section insert 37ZA Ordinary day of local elections in Wales (1) In every year the ordinary day of election of councillors is the same for all local government areas in Wales and, subject to section 37B, and unless subsection (2) applies, is (a) the first Thursday in May; (b) such other day as may be fixed by the Welsh Ministers by order made not later than 1st February in the year preceding the year (or, in the case of an order affecting more than one year, the first year) in which the order is to take effect. (2) The ordinary day of election of councillors is not the day specified in or fixed under subsection (1) if that day is the day of the poll at an ordinary general election of members of the National Assembly for Wales. (3) Where under subsection (2) the ordinary day of election of councillors is not the day specified in or fixed under subsection (1), it is such other day as the Welsh Ministers may by order specify. (4) The power to make an order under subsection (1)(b) or (3) is exercisable by statutory instrument. () A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (3) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales. (14) Section 37B (power to change date of local elections to date of European Parliamentary general election: Wales) is amended as follows. (1) After subsection (1) insert (1A) The Welsh Ministers may not make an order under this section if the date of the poll at the European Parliamentary general election is the same date as the poll at an ordinary general election of members of the National Assembly for Wales. (16) In subsection (4)(b), for 37(1)(b) substitute 37ZA(1)(b)
12 8 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 7 Electoral registration: the digital service (1) Section ZC of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (registration of electors in Great Britain) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (4). (2) In subsection (4) (a) for this section, so far as substitute this section (a) so far as ; (b) at the end insert, and (b) so far as it is exercisable by a Minister of the Crown to make provision about a UK digital service in relation to elections in Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers concurrently with that Minister. (3) After subsection () insert (A) (B) The power of the Welsh Ministers to make regulations by virtue of subsection (4) is not exercisable without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown. A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers by virtue of subsection (4) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales. (4) In subsection (6), after the definition of election in Scotland insert election in Wales means (a) an election of Assembly members, or (b) a local government election in Wales;. () Section ZD of that Act (registration of electors in Great Britain: alterations) is amended as set out in subsections (6) to (8). (6) In subsection (4) (a) for this section, so far as substitute this section (a) so far as ; (b) at the end insert, and (b) so far as it is exercisable by a Minister of the Crown to make provision about a UK digital service in relation to elections in Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers concurrently with that Minister. (7) After subsection () insert (A) (B) The power of the Welsh Ministers to make regulations by virtue of subsection (4) is not exercisable without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown. A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers by virtue of subsection (4) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales. (8) In subsection (6), after election in Scotland insert, election in Wales. (9) Section 3 of that Act (power to make regulations about registration etc) is amended as set out in subsections () to (12). () In subsection (9) 1 2 3
13 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 9 (a) (b) for this section, so far as substitute this section (a) so far as ; at the end insert, and (b) so far as it is exercisable by a Minister of the Crown to make provision about a UK digital service in relation to elections in Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers concurrently with that Minister. (11) After subsection () insert (A) (B) The power of the Welsh Ministers to make regulations by virtue of subsection (9) is not exercisable without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown. A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers by virtue of subsection (9) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales. (12) In subsection (11), after the definition of election in Scotland insert election in Wales means (a) an election of Assembly members, or (b) a local government election in Wales;. 1 Other provision about legislation by the Assembly 8 Super-majority requirement for certain legislation In the Government of Wales Act 06, after section 111 insert 111A Bills with protected subject-matter: super-majority requirement (1) For the purposes of this Part a provision of a Bill relates to a protected subject-matter if it would modify, or confer power to modify, any of the matters listed in subsection (2) (but not if the provision is incidental to or consequential on another provision of the Bill). (2) The matters are (a) the name of the Assembly, (b) the persons entitled to vote as electors at an election for membership of the Assembly, (c) the system by which members of the Assembly are returned, (d) the specification or number of constituencies, regions or any equivalent electoral area, and (e) the number of members to be returned for each constituency, region or equivalent electoral area. (3) The Presiding Officer must, after the last time when a Bill may be amended but before the decision whether to pass or reject it (a) decide whether or not, in the view of the Presiding Officer, any provision of the Bill relates to a protected subject-matter, and (b) state that decision. (4) If the Presiding Officer decides that any provision of the Bill relates to a protected subject-matter, the Bill is not passed unless the number of 2 3
14 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements Assembly members voting in favour of it at the final stage is at least two-thirds of the total number of Assembly seats. () A statement under subsection (3)(b) must be made in both English and Welsh; but, subject to that, the form of the statement and the manner in which it is to be made are to be determined under the standing orders. (6) The standing orders (a) may provide for a statement under subsection (3)(b) to be published, and (b) if they do so, must provide for it to be published in both English and Welsh. 111B Scrutiny of Bills by the Supreme Court (protected subject-matter) (1) The Counsel General or the Attorney General may refer the question whether any provision of a Bill relates to a protected subject-matter to the Supreme Court for decision. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the Counsel General or the Attorney General may make a reference in relation to a Bill (a) at any time during the period of four weeks beginning with the rejection of the Bill, if the Presiding Officer has decided under section 111A(3) that a provision of the Bill relates to a protected subject-matter, or (b) at any time during the period of four weeks beginning with the passing of the Bill, if the Presiding Officer has decided under section 111A(3) that no provision of the Bill relates to a protected subject-matter, unless the number of Assembly members voting in favour of the Bill at its passing is at least twothirds of the total number of Assembly seats. (3) No reference may be made in relation to a Bill (a) by the Counsel General if the Counsel General has notified the Presiding Officer that no reference is to be made in relation to it by the Counsel General, or (b) by the Attorney General if the Attorney General has notified the Presiding Officer that no reference is to be made in relation to it by the Attorney General. (4) But subsection (3) does not apply if the Bill has, since the notification, been approved or rejected in accordance with standing orders made by virtue of section 111(7). 9 Super-majority requirement: amendments relating to procedure etc (1) Section 111 of the Government of Wales Act 06 (proceedings on Bills) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (). (2) In subsection (6), before paragraph (a) insert (za) the Supreme Court decides on a reference made in relation to the Bill under section 111B(2)(b) (reference following Presiding Officer s decision that Bill does not contain protected subjectmatter) that any provision of the Bill relates to a protected subject-matter,
15 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 11 (3) After subsection (6) insert (6A) The standing orders must provide for an opportunity for the reconsideration of a Bill after its rejection if (and only if), on a reference made in relation to the Bill under section 111B(2)(a) (reference following Presiding Officer s decision that Bill contains protected subject-matter), the Supreme Court decides that no provision that is subject to the reference relates to a protected subject-matter. (4) For subsection (7) substitute (7) The standing orders must, in particular, ensure that (a) any Bill amended on reconsideration in accordance with standing orders made by virtue of subsection (6)(a), (b) or (c), and (b) any Bill reconsidered in accordance with standing orders made by virtue of subsection (6)(za) or (6A), is subject to a final stage at which it can be approved or rejected. () In subsection (8) (a) after 9() insert, 111A(3) and (4), 111B(2)(b) ; (b) for which has been amended on reconsideration substitute to which subsection (7)(a) or (b) applies. (6) In section 112 of that Act (a) in the heading, at the end insert (legislative competence) ; (b) in subsection (2)(b) omit subsequent. (7) In section 114 of that Act (power of Secretary of State to intervene), in subsection (4) (a) in paragraph (b) omit subsequent ; (b) in paragraph (c), after section insert 111B or. (8) In section 11 of that Act (Royal Assent) (a) in subsection (2)(a), after section insert 111B or ; (b) after subsection (3) insert (3A) The Presiding Officer may not submit a Bill for Royal Assent if the Supreme Court has decided on a reference made in relation to the Bill under section 111B(2)(b) (reference following Presiding Officer s decision that Bill does not contain protected subject-matter) that any provision of the Bill relates to a protected subject-matter unless, since the decision, the Bill has been approved in accordance with standing orders made by virtue of section 111(7). Introduction of Bills: justice impact assessment After section 1 of the Government of Wales Act 06 insert 1A Introduction of Bills: justice impact assessment (1) The standing orders must include provision requiring the person in charge of a Bill, on or before the introduction of the Bill, to make a written statement setting out the potential impact (if any) on the justice 1 2 3
16 12 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements system in England and Wales of the provisions of the Bill (a justice impact assessment ). (2) The form of the justice impact assessment and the manner in which it is to be made are to be determined under the standing orders. (3) The standing orders must provide for the justice impact assessment to be published. 11 Submission of Bills for Royal Assent: role of Presiding Officer (1) In section 11 of the Government of Wales Act 06, in subsections (1), (2) and (3), for Clerk substitute Presiding Officer. (2) In consequence of the amendments made by subsection (1) (a) in section 112(3) of that Act (scrutiny of Bills by Supreme Court for legislative competence: notification of lack of reference), in paragraphs (a) and (b), for Clerk substitute Presiding Officer ; (b) in section 113(2)(a) of that Act (ECJ references), for Clerk substitute Presiding Officer ; (c) in section 114 of that Act (power of Secretary of State to intervene), in subsections (2) and (), for Clerk substitute Presiding Officer. 1 Other provision about the Assembly 12 Financial control, accounts and audit (1) The Government of Wales Act 06 is amended as follows. (2) Omit section 119. (3) After section 1 insert 1A Financial control, accounts and audit (1) Welsh legislation must provide (a) for proper accounts to be prepared by the First Minister, the Welsh Ministers, the Counsel General, the Assembly Commission and by other persons to whom sums are paid out of the Welsh Consolidated Fund, of their expenditure and receipts, (b) for the Welsh Ministers to prepare an account of payments into and out of the Fund, (c) for the Auditor General for Wales to exercise, or ensure the exercise by other persons of, the functions mentioned in subsection (2), (d) for access by persons exercising those functions to such documents as they may reasonably require, (e) for members of the staff of the Welsh Government and Assembly Commission designated for the purpose to be answerable to the Assembly in respect of the expenditure and receipts of each part of the Welsh Government or Assembly Commission, and 2 3
17 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 13 (f) for the publication of Assembly accounts and of reports on such accounts and for the laying of such accounts and reports before the Assembly. (2) The functions referred to in subsection (1)(c) are (a) issuing credits for the payment of sums out of the Fund; (b) examining Assembly accounts (which includes determining whether sums paid out of the Fund have been paid out and applied in accordance with section 124), and certifying and reporting on them; (c) carrying out examinations into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which the First Minister, the Welsh Ministers, the Counsel General, the Assembly Commission and other persons to whom sums are paid out of the Welsh Consolidated Fund have used their resources in discharging their functions. (3) Standing orders must provide for the consideration by the Assembly of accounts and reports laid before it in pursuance of subsection (1)(f). (4) Persons (other than the Auditor General for Wales) charged with the exercise of any function mentioned in subsection (2) or other like function conferred by Welsh legislation are not subject, in the exercise of that or any ancillary function, to the direction or control of any member of the Welsh Government or of the Assembly. () Subsection (2)(b) does not apply to accounts prepared by the Auditor General for Wales. (6) This section does not require Welsh legislation to impose any requirement that is imposed by any other legislation. (7) In this section Assembly accounts means any accounts prepared in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) or (b); Welsh legislation means provision made by or under an Act of the Assembly, and other legislation means provision made by any other enactment Composition of Assembly committees In the Government of Wales Act 06 omit section 29 (composition of committees). 14 Assembly proceedings: participation by UK Ministers etc In the Government of Wales Act 06 (a) omit section 32 (participation by UK Ministers etc); (b) omit section 33 (consultation about UK Government s legislative programme). 3
18 14 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 1 Change of name of the Assembly etc: translation of references (1) After section of the Government of Wales Act 06 insert A Change of name of the Assembly etc: translation of references (1) Subsection (2) applies if an Act of the Assembly, or subordinate legislation made under an Act of the Assembly, changes the name of (a) the National Assembly for Wales, (b) the National Assembly for Wales Commission, or (c) Acts of the National Assembly for Wales. (See paragraph 7(2)(a)(i) and (xii) and paragraph 7(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 7B.) (2) Unless the context requires otherwise, a reference to the National Assembly for Wales, the National Assembly for Wales Commission or an Act of the National Assembly for Wales (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, or as including, a reference to the new name. (2) In section 18 of that Act (interpretation), in subsection (2), after 116C(2) insert, A(2). Welsh rates of income tax: removal of referendum requirement 1 16 Welsh rates of income tax: removal of referendum requirement (1) The Wales Act 14 is amended as follows. (2) Omit (a) section 12 and Schedule 1 (referendum about commencement of income tax provisions), (b) section 13 (proposal for referendum by Assembly), and (c) the italic heading before section 12. (3) In section 14 (commencement of income tax provisions etc if majority in favour) (a) omit subsection (1); (b) in the heading omit etc if majority in favour. (4) In section 23 (reports on the implementation and operation of Part 2) omit subsection (8). () In section 29 (commencement) (a) in subsection (2)(b) for referendum-related substitute income tax ; (b) in subsection (4) (i) for referendum-related substitute income tax ; (ii) omit (commencement if majority in favour at referendum). 2 3
19 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 1 Executive competence etc 17 Functions of Welsh Ministers (1) After section 8 of the Government of Wales Act 06 insert 8A Executive ministerial functions (1) Executive ministerial functions, so far as exercisable within devolved competence, are exercisable by the Welsh Ministers. (2) Executive ministerial functions that are ancillary to a function of the Welsh Ministers exercised outside devolved competence are also exercisable by the Welsh Ministers. (3) Functions exercisable by the Welsh Ministers under subsection (1) or (2) are not exercisable by a Minister of the Crown unless they are functions to which subsection (4) applies. If they are functions to which subsection (4) applies, they are exercisable by the Welsh Ministers concurrently with any relevant Minister of the Crown. (4) This subsection applies to (a) functions ancillary to a function of the Welsh Ministers that is exercisable concurrently or jointly with a Minister of the Crown; (b) functions ancillary to a function of a Minister of the Crown; (c) functions that are not ancillary to another function; (d) functions in relation to observing and implementing obligations under EU law. () In this section executive ministerial function means a function of Her Majesty of a kind that is exercisable on Her behalf by a Minister of the Crown (including a function involving expenditure or other financial matters), but not a function conferred or imposed by or by virtue of any legislation or the prerogative; within devolved competence and outside devolved competence are to be read in accordance with subsections (7) and (8). (6) For the purposes of this section a function is ancillary to another function if or to the extent that it is exercisable with a view to facilitating, or in a way that is conducive or incidental to, the exercise of the other function. (7) It is outside devolved competence (a) to make any provision by subordinate legislation that would be outside the legislative competence of the Assembly if it were included in an Act of the Assembly (see section 8A), or (b) to confirm or approve any subordinate legislation containing such provision. (8) In the case of a function other than a function of making, confirming or approving subordinate legislation, it is outside devolved competence to exercise the function (or to exercise it in a particular way) if or to the extent that a provision of an Act of the Assembly conferring the
20 16 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements function (or conferring it so as to be exercisable in that way) would be outside the legislative competence of the Assembly. (2) In section 70 of that Act (financial assistance) (a) in subsection (1) (i) for The Welsh Ministers substitute The First Minister ; (ii) for the Welsh Ministers consider substitute the First Minister considers ; (iii) for they aim substitute the Minister aims ; (iv) for their functions substitute the Minister s functions ; (b) in subsection (2) (i) for The Welsh Ministers substitute The First Minister ; (ii) for by them substitute by the Minister ; (c) for subsection (3) substitute (3) This section applies in relation to the Counsel General as in relation to the First Minister. (As regards the Welsh Ministers, see section 8A.) (3) In section 71 of that Act (incidental etc powers of Welsh Ministers etc), for subsection (2) substitute (2) This section applies to the First Minister and the Counsel General. (As regards the Welsh Ministers, see section 8A.) 1 18 Implementation of EU law (1) After section 8A of the Government of Wales Act 06 (inserted by section 17 above) insert 8B Implementation of EU law: general (1) Section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (secondary legislation implementing EU obligations, etc) applies to the Welsh Ministers as if they were a Minister of the Crown or government department designated by Order in Council under that provision. (2) But subsection (1) confers no power to make provision that would be outside the legislative competence of the Assembly if it were included in an Act of the Assembly (see section 8A). (3) In particular, it confers no power to make provision that may be included in an Act of the Assembly only (a) with the consent of the appropriate Minister (see paragraphs 8(1), (1) and 11(1) of Schedule 7B), or (b) after consultation with the appropriate Minister (see paragraph 11(2) of that Schedule), unless that consent has been given or that consultation has been carried out. (4) Subsection (1) does not restrict any power conferred on a Minister of the Crown or government department by an Order in Council under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act
21 Part 1 Constitutional arrangements 17 () In section 2(4) of the European Communities Act 1972 as it has effect by virtue of subsection (1) above, the reference to an Act of Parliament is to be read as a reference to an Act of the Assembly. (6) A statutory instrument containing any order, rules, regulations or scheme made by virtue of this section, if made without a draft having been approved by resolution of the Assembly, is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly; and paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 2 to European Communities Act 1972 does not apply to such an instrument. (7) In this section appropriate Minister has the same meaning as in paragraph 8 of Schedule 7B. (2) In section 9 of that Act (implementation of EU law) (a) in the heading, at the end insert : designation of Welsh Ministers, etc ; (b) after subsection (2) insert (c) (2A) Any such restrictions or conditions do not apply in relation to the power that the Welsh Ministers have under that section by virtue of section 8B above. ; in subsection (3), for that power substitute a power exercisable by virtue of a designation under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act Transfer of Ministerial functions (1) In section 8 of the Government of Wales Act 06 (transfer of Ministerial functions), in subsection (1)(b), for concurrently with the Minister of the Crown, substitute (i) concurrently or jointly with a Minister of the Crown, or (ii) only with the agreement of, or after consultation with, a Minister of the Crown,. (2) In Part 2 of Schedule 3 to that Act (exercise of transferred functions), in paragraph 6(a) and (b) omit in relation to a cross-border body or an English border area. (3) After section 9 of that Act insert 9A Shared powers Schedule 3A, which sets out functions of Ministers of the Crown and others that are exercisable concurrently or jointly with the Welsh Ministers, has effect. (4) After Schedule 3 to that Act insert the Schedule 3A set out in Schedule 3 to this Act Transferred Ministerial functions In section 8 of the Government of Wales Act 06, after subsection (2) insert (2A) An Order in Council under this section may make in relation to a previously transferred function (a) provision increasing or reducing (whether geographically or otherwise) the extent of the previous transfer;
22 18 Wales Bill Part 1 Constitutional arrangements (2B) (b) provision to the effect that the function is exercisable (i) concurrently or jointly with a Minister of the Crown, or (ii) only with the agreement of, or after consultation with, a Minister of the Crown. In subsection (2A) previously transferred function means a function exercisable by the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister or the Counsel General by virtue of (a) a previous Order in Council under this section, (b) Schedule 3A, or (c) an Order in Council under section 22 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 and (i) paragraph of Schedule 11 to this Act, or (ii) an Order in Council under paragraph 31 of that Schedule; and previous transfer is to be read accordingly Consultation about cross-border bodies Omit section 63 of the Government of Wales Act 06 (consultation about cross-border bodies). PART 2 LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COMPETENCE: FURTHER PROVISION Onshore petroleum 22 Onshore petroleum licensing (1) Section 8A of the Petroleum Act 1998 (interpretation of Part 1) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1A), after paragraph (a) insert (aa) in relation to the Welsh onshore area, the Welsh Ministers;. (3) In subsection (2), after paragraph (a) insert (aa) in relation to the Welsh onshore area, the Welsh Ministers;. (4) At the end insert () The 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). (6) In subsection () Wales has the same meaning as in the Government of Wales Act 06. (7) The English onshore area is the area of England and the sea adjacent to England 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). 2 3
23 Part 2 Legislative and executive competence: further provision Onshore petroleum: existing licences (1) The Secretary of State may make amendments to (a) any model clause, to the extent that, under Part 1 of the Petroleum Act 1998, it is incorporated, or has effect as if incorporated, in an existing licence, and (b) any other provision of an existing licence. (2) The Secretary of State may exercise the power in subsection (1) only if the Secretary of State considers that it is necessary or expedient to do so in consequence of (a) the exceptions mentioned in Section D2 in Part 2 of Schedule 7A to the Government of Wales Act 06 (licensing of and access to petroleum within Welsh onshore area), or (b) section 22. (3) In the case of an existing licence granted in respect of an area ( the licence area ) of which part only was within the Welsh onshore area at the time the licence was granted (a) the Secretary of State may direct that it is to have effect as a licence in respect of an area comprising that part and a separate licence in respect of an area comprising the rest of the licence area, and (b) subsection (1) applies in relation to each of those licences as it applies in relation to the existing licence. (4) The power to make amendments under subsection (1)(a) is exercisable by regulations made by statutory instrument. () A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. (6) In this section existing licence means a licence, granted before the day on which section 22 comes into force, under (a) section 3 of the Petroleum Act 1998, or (b) section 2 of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934, in respect of an area all or part of which is within the Welsh onshore area; Welsh onshore area has the meaning given by Section D2 in Part 2 of Schedule 7A to the Government of Wales Act Onshore petroleum: right to use deep-level land in Wales (1) The Infrastructure Act 1 is amended as follows. (2) In section 4 (payment schemes relating to right to use deep-level land for purposes of exploiting petroleum or geothermal energy) (a) in subsection (1), for the right of use substitute (a) the right to use deep-level land in England for the purposes of exploiting petroleum, and (b) the right to use deep-level land for the purposes of exploiting deep geothermal energy. ; 1 2 3
24 Wales Bill Part 2 Legislative and executive competence: further provision (b) after subsection (1) insert (1A) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations, require relevant energy undertakings to make payments in respect of the proposed exercise, or exercise, of the right to use deep-level land in Wales for the purposes of exploiting petroleum. (3) In section 46 (notice schemes relating to right to use deep-level land for purposes of exploiting petroleum or geothermal energy) (a) in subsection (1), for the right of use substitute (a) the right to use deep-level land in England for the purposes of exploiting petroleum, and (b) the right to use deep-level land for the purposes of exploiting deep geothermal energy. ; (b) after subsection (1) insert (1A) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations, require relevant energy undertakings to give notice of the proposed exercise, or exercise, of the right to use deep-level land in Wales for the purposes of exploiting petroleum. (4) In section 49 (advice on likely impact of onshore petroleum on the carbon budget) (a) in subsection (1), after activity insert in England ; (b) in subsection (3), after effect insert in England ; (c) in subsection (7), for the definition of petroleum got through onshore activity substitute petroleum got through onshore activity in England means petroleum got from the strata in which it exists in its natural condition by activity carried out on land in England (excluding land covered by the sea or any tidal waters);. 1 2 Road transport 2 Roads: speed limits, pedestrian crossings and traffic signs (1) The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 is amended as follows. (2) In section 17 (traffic regulation on special roads), after subsection (3ZA) insert (3ZAA) The power to make provision of the following kinds by regulations under subsection (2) is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers (a) provision with respect to a particular special road in Wales; (b) provision for regulating the speed of vehicles on special roads in Wales. (3) In section 2 (pedestrian crossing regulations) (a) in subsection (1), for national authority substitute relevant authority ; (b) after subsection (6) insert (7) In this section relevant authority means 3
25 Part 2 Legislative and executive competence: further provision 21 (a) (b) (c) in relation to a function so far as exercisable within devolved competence, within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998, means the Scottish Ministers; in relation to a function so far as exercisable within devolved competence, within the meaning given by section 8A(7) and (8) of the Government of Wales Act 06, means the Welsh Ministers; otherwise, means the Secretary of State. (4) In section 64 (general provisions as to traffic signs) (a) for national authority, in each place, substitute relevant authority ; (b) after subsection (6) insert (6A) In this section relevant authority means (a) in relation to a function so far as exercisable within devolved competence, within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998, means the Scottish Ministers; (b) in relation to a function so far as exercisable within devolved competence, within the meaning given by section 8A(7) and (8) of the Government of Wales Act 06, means the Welsh Ministers; (c) otherwise, means the Secretary of State. () In section 86 (speed limits for particular classes of vehicles), in subsection (7) (a) in paragraph (a) omit and Wales ; (b) after paragraph (a) insert (aa) as respects the driving of vehicles on roads in Wales, is the Welsh Ministers;. (6) In section 87 (exemption of emergency vehicles from speed limits) (as amended by section 19 of the Road Safety Act 06) (a) in subsection (1)(b), for national authority substitute relevant authority ; (b) after subsection (6) insert (7) In this section relevant authority (a) in relation to a function so far as exercisable within devolved competence, within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998, means the Scottish Ministers; (b) otherwise, means the Secretary of State. (7) In section 88 (temporary speed limits), in subsection (7A) (a) in paragraph (a) omit and Wales ; (b) after paragraph (a) insert (aa) in relation to roads in Wales, is the Welsh Ministers;. (8) In section 142(1) (general interpretation), in the definition of national authority, after paragraph (a) insert (aa) in relation to Wales, means the Welsh Ministers; Bus service registration and traffic commissioners (1) The Transport Act 198 is amended as set out in subsections (2) and (3).