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Policy Making in the National Assembly for Wales

This section provides information on how legislation affecting children and young people is developed in the National Assembly for Wales.

The distinction between the Welsh Government and the National Assembly for Wales

Following elections to the National Assembly for Wales in May 2011 the Welsh Assembly Government became known as the Welsh Government.

The legislative powers of the National Assembly for Wales

Following the referendum on law-making powers in March 2011, the National Assembly for Wales is now able to make legislation in the form of Acts on most issues within the 20 areas devolved to it.

The passage of bills through the Assembly

Bills pass through the Assembly in a four stage process

Assembly Members

The Assembly is made up of 60 Assembly Members (or “AMs”), elected by a system of proportional representation called the Additional Member System.

The Presiding Officer

The Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales is responsible for its smooth functioning.