Next Steps for Commission on Devolution in Wales outlined
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan has today [19 July] announced that an independent Commission will be established in the autumn to…
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan has today [19 July] announced that an independent Commission will be established in the autumn to look at the financial accountability of the Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales.
The Commission will examine issues of fiscal devolution and accountability in Wales and will take into consideration the work of the Holtham Commission. It will aim to report on its recommendations in the autumn of 2012.
Mrs Gillan said: “The Coalition agreement made clear our commitment to establishing a process similar to the Calman Commission for the Welsh Assembly and our proposals are now taking shape. A key strength of the Calman Commission was its consensual approach and we have worked closely with the Welsh Government and all parties in the Assembly to reach a broad consensus on how we move forward.
“It is only right that the Welsh Government is accountable for the money it spends. We are only at the beginning of the process, but I believe that by working together across parties, between governments and institutions, we can reach agreement which will deliver fiscal accountability to the Assembly.
“An independent Commission will be established in the autumn and look to report on its recommendations in the autumn of 2012. Work will continue between the UK Government and the Welsh Government over the summer, and I will look to make further announcements on the process after recess.
“The Government is committed to considering all aspects of the Holtham Commission’s reports. Separate discussions will continue on Holtham’s proposals for funding reform for Wales.”
After the Commission has reported and the Government has considered its proposals, the Commission will look at the constitutional settlement in Wales in light of experience. The Commission will aim to report on its findings in 2013.