The Government of Wales Act 2006 established the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) as a distinct entity from the National Assembly for Wales (NafW).  This makes the situation in Wales a bit more like the situation in the other countries of the UK, with e.g. the UK Government being distinct from the UK Parliament. 

The WAG consists of the First Minister, the Ministers and Deputy Ministers appointed under him and a Counsel General responsible for providing legal advice to the WAG.  These Ministers are supported by a number of civil servants.  The WAG is responsible for developing and implementing policy; exercising executive functions and making subordinate legislation.  It has taken over most of the powers that were the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales prior to the Government of Wales Act 2006.

National Assembly for Wales

The NAfW is a legislative body, consisting of 60 Assembly Members  (See the section on Assembly Members for more information ).  It has the powers to make Assembly Measures.  These are a new type of legislation introduced by the Government of Wales Act 2006, that are able to make provisions in Wales on certain subjects similar to those made in Acts of Parliament. (See section on legislative powers ).    The National Assembly for Wales is also responsible for scrutinising the Assembly Government’s decisions and policies, holding Ministers to account and approving budgets.