New Welsh scrutiny measure published

Last updated:14 July 2010

A measure has been introduced in the National Assembly for Wales proposing changes to the way scrutiny operates in Wales (local government being a devolved matter).

http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-legislation/bus-leg-measures/business-legislation-measures-localgov.htm

This is a development that should be of interest to those in England - some of the contents relate to issues that have long been of interest (and consternation!) for scrutineers in both countries.

Key provisions include:

• Abolition of the use of the whip (now more neutrally called "political management" in some quarters) at scrutiny committees;
• Political proportionality for scrutiny chairs (and other provisions relating to political proportionality);
• Specific responsibilities to take into account the views of the public;
• Provisions relating to co-option.

The scrutiny provisions are concentrated in Chapter 6 of the measure. We'll highlight other important contents in due course.