PRISONERS in Wales could be given the right to vote in Welsh elections.

In the UK all people serving prison sentences are banned from voting in any election. But in 2005 the European Court of Human Rights ruled this was in breach of international human rights law.

And now the Welsh Assembly's Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee has launched an inquiry into whether prison inmates should be allowed to vote in Welsh Assembly and local government elections.

Committee chairman and Newport East AM John Griffiths said: “Giving prisoners voting rights is a contentious issue and I am sure we will be receiving polarised views on this.

“It is important that we hear from and consider all sides of this issue as part of our work so I would encourage anyone with an interest in this inquiry to take part in our consultation.”

The committee's inquiry will look into issues including whether a prisoner's right to vote should depend on the length of their sentence and the type of offence, the method of voting and whether they should be registered to vote at their home address or that of the prison.

The changes would apply to future Welsh Assembly and local government elections - but not to General Elections, which are not devolved.

There are currently around 4,700 inmates in Welsh prisons.

The European Court of Human Rights is not part of the European Union - so the UK will still be under its jurisdiction post-Brexit.

The consultation will close on Monday, January 7.

To take part call 0300 200 6565 or email SeneddCommunities@assembly.wales