Senedd Representation and Levelling-up Agenda 2022-05-25
2022-05-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions about the levelling-up agenda have raised concerns regarding the impact of proposed changes in Wales.
What discussions has his Department had with the Welsh Government on the potential effect on the levelling-up agenda of proposals to increase the size of the Senedd?
I have had no discussions with the Welsh Government on the proposals.
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Assessment & feedback
No formal or informal discussions were reported despite the question's specific ask.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A proposal has been announced regarding changes to the voting system in Cardiff Bay, which has raised concerns about democratic representation and financial implications.
What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the proposed changes to the voting system at Cardiff Bay and the potential impact on democratic representation?
It is mystifying that this proposal was announced on the same day as the Queen's Speech. It will impose a £100 million burden on Welsh taxpayers and demolish a voting system that has served us well for years, and there has been no consultation with any voters at all. Even the Lib Dems describe it as a stitch-up.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment did not specifically address democratic representation but focused on costs and lack of consultation.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that increasing the size of the Senedd may lead to a lack of proportionality in representation and should be reconsidered for public services funding.
The Welsh Government have decided that they want to increase the size of the Senedd, but there are real concerns that that will lead to a lack of proportionality in representation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the money would be much better spent on public services?
Indeed, I do. I have to say that if this Government were making suggestions of that nature that involved the constitution and voting measures, pretty well all Opposition Members would be saying that that should be subject to a public referendum at the very least. I suggest that the proper course of action for the Welsh Government is to seek the approval of their voters before they proceed with any of the extremely costly measures proposed.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not directly address whether funds would be better spent on public services, instead focusing on democratic process and consultation.
Response accuracy