Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Senedd Representation and Levelling-up Agenda

Wednesday 25 May 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had no discussions with the Welsh Government on proposals to increase the Senedd size.
  • Response criticizes proposed changes to the voting system for imposing financial burden and lack of consultation.
  • Minister agrees the money would be better spent on public services rather than increasing Senedd size.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire
Wales
Context

Discussions about the levelling-up agenda have raised concerns regarding the impact of proposed changes in Wales.

Question

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?

Answer from Simon Hart

I have had no discussions with the Welsh Government on the proposals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No formal or informal discussions were reported despite the question's specific ask.

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Q2 James Davies Con
Wales Democracy & Elections
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Simon Hart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assessment did not specifically address democratic representation but focused on costs and lack of consultation.

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Q3 Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire
Wales
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Simon Hart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response did not directly address whether funds would be better spent on public services, instead focusing on democratic process and consultation.

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