THE Welsh Government has confirmed that the voting age will not be reduced in time for the assembly elections next year.

It comes after Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb said it would be "too ambitious" to expect that to happen in time.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said it was necessary to get Royal Assent for the situation to progress.

“In principle, we are supportive of reducing the voting age," they said. "We are therefore disappointed that more progress has not already been made on the issue.

"However, we understand that to comply with the Electoral Commission’s recommendations, the necessary Assembly Bill would need to secure Royal Assent by the end of September 2015 at the latest.

"Unfortunately, this is not now going to happen."

The Welsh Assembly elections are due to take place in May 2016.