MURPHY'S 'DEVO-REALISM' HOLDS WALES BACK - WILLIAMS

1.22.16pm GMT Wed 3rd Dec 2008

Commenting on the Wales Office statement on framework powers, which revealed that just two bills will contain framework powers, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"After the furore over the affordable housing LCO, you would have thought the Wales Office would have realised the necessity of using framework powers to boost devolution, but this statement shows that either the Westminster Government aren't prepared to grant powers or the Labour-Plaid government aren't asking for enough.

"The additional powers in the Marine Bill are welcome, and in line with what we have proposed, but the powers in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill seem distinctly unambitious.

"We identified potential new powers on business rates, policing, building regulations, equal status for Welsh Language, and possibly even the powers the Assembly want on affordable housing.

"Paul Murphy prides himself on being a devo-realist, but I think he's been very unrealistic over the sort of powers that should result from the devolution settlement.

"This was a big opportunity to give the Assembly the powers they need and deserve, but this opportunity has gone begging."

Notes:

Wales Office Press Release is available here:

http://www.walesoffice.gov.uk/2008/12/03/government-delivering-economic-stability-and-social-fairness-for-wales-says-paul-murphy/

Bills with framework powers: Marine and Coastal Access Bill

The Bill will improve and simplify arrangements for managing marine development and protecting the marine environment and bio-diversity, including a new planning and licensing system for the marine area and a new system of marine conservation zones, and will provide greater recreational access to the coast.

Framework powers: Framework powers to enable the National Assembly to legislate in relation to coastal access in Wales.

Other Welsh provisions: Provisions establishing Welsh Ministers as the marine planning authority for the inshore and offshore regions adjacent to Wales.

Provisions for the creation of a Welsh Fisheries Zone.

Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill

The Bill will create greater opportunities for community and individual empowerment, reform local and regional governance arrangements to promote economic regeneration and continue the Government's programme of housing reform.

Framework power: Framework Powers for the National Assembly of Wales to legislate for governance arrangements and review and scrutiny committees in county and county borough councils in Wales.

Bills with Welsh provisions

Business Rates Supplements

The Bill will promote long-term economic growth and productivity of those areas that levy a supplement, by permitting investment in projects that support economic growth, and which would not otherwise proceed.

Child Poverty

The Bill will support the Government's commitment to set targets to eradicate child poverty by 2020. This will mean tackling the underlying causes of poverty rather then just treating the symptoms.

Coroners and Justice

The Bill delivers a more effective, transparent and responsive justice system and coroner service for victims, witnesses, bereaved families and the wider public.

Children, Skills and Learning

The Bill aims to reform education, training and apprenticeships for young people and adults, and to provide new powers to strengthen children's trusts, improve standards in schools and increase confidence in qualifications.

Equality Bill

The Bill will aim to promote fairness and equality of opportunity; tackle disadvantage and discrimination; and to modernise and strengthen the law to make it fit for the challenges that our society faces today and in the future.

Health

The Bill will improve the quality of NHS care, the performance of NHS services and public health.

Policing and Crime

The Bill increase the effectiveness and public accountability of policing, continue to address crime and disorder and improve security planning at UK airports.

Welfare Reform

The Bill will reform the welfare and benefit system to improve support and incentives for people to move from benefits into work, provide greater choice and control for disabled people, and encourage parental responsibility by introducing a requirement for births to be registered jointly by both parents.