Have your say on future of Wales (From South Wales Argus)

Have your say on future of Wales

9:10am Saturday 16th February 2013 in News

HELEN MOLYNEUX, who lives in Chepstow, is a member of the Commission on Devolution in Wales which is currently reviewing the powers of the National Assembly for Wales. Here she explains why you should get involved and have your say on Welsh devolution.

LAST November, the commission completed the first part of its remit by publishing its report ‘Empowerment and Responsibility’, looking at the financial powers of the National Assembly forWales.

I have since joined the commission for the second part of its remit, reviewing the wider, more general, powers of the Assembly.

Thirteen years of devolution presents a good opportunity to pause and reflect on how well the settlement has been working.

We want to hear the views of as many people as possible on the division of responsibilities between Westminster and Cardiff Bay, whatever they may be. We’ve issued a call for evidence, which is available on our website and open until March 1. Our website (commissionondevolutioninwales.

independent.gov.uk) is also a good source of information for finding out a bit more about the current devolution settlement.

There’s also a forum page that you can join if you would prefer to give views in a less formal way. In fact, you can suggest topics to us for future forums and really get the debate going.

The opportunities to engage with us however, do not end on March 1. Over the coming months, we’ll be out and about holding public meetings across Wales.

Keep an eye on our website and twitter account (@silkcommission) for details.

The commission’s first report placed great importance the evidence it received.

The next report in spring 2014 will also reflect what we hear – we want to come up with sensible recommendations that command a wide degree of support.

That is where you come – we really want to hear your views. We are approaching our work with an open mind – nothing is ruled in or out at this stage. This is a great opportunity for you to get involved and help shape Wales’ future. As a new member of the commission for part two, it was this very opportunity that made me want to get involved.

Please take up the opportunity and have your say.